Pete Steindl tribute to Maiden as he reaches 100 caps

Maiden's international career already spans 13 years, during four of which he played no international cricket.

The achievement is made all the more remarkable for the fact that he was initially capped as an off-spin bowler before developing into a genuine all-rounder and later an opening batsman.

However, his latest incarnation has been as the team's wicketkeeper, a role he has filled in all the Saltires' CB40 fixtures so far this season. He will again have the gloves on at the County Ground, Northampton, tomorrow when Steindl's side seek their first win and the coach has nothing but admiration for his former team-mate.

Steindl said: "It is a fantastic achievement to reach 100 caps. I know his career has spanned a long time because I can remember playing a few times in the same Scotland team! He has also had lengthy spells out of the squad but has shown great determination to come back.

"It is not easy to re-invent yourself at Gregor's age but he is a very talented cricketer. He has worked extremely hard on his wicketkeeping and I think he has enjoyed the challenge. I am delighted for him personally and am pleased with the job he is doing for the team."

Maiden had also been opening the batting this season until last Sunday's clash with Surrey. He will again be content with a role further down the order as the selectors are likely to stick with the pairing of Fraser Watts and Calum MacLeod against Northants.

The Saltires are without experienced batsman Neil McCallum but will be boosted by the return of Australian all-rounder Luke Butterworth, who has recovered from a broken toe.

Squad: G Drummond (capt), F Watts, C MacLeod, J Davey, R Berrington, L Butterworth, P Mommsen, C Burnett, G Maiden (w/k), M Haq, G Goudie, M Parker, R Flannigan.