Scottish Saltires put faith in youth as schoolboy is called up to squad

Into the squad come two uncapped players in 17-year-old Freddie Coleman and Neil Laidlaw, with some of the more experienced players, including vice-captain Fraser Watts and contracted duo Qasim Sheikh and Simon Smith dropping out as Cricket Scotland look to develop younger players.

It is quite a change in direction, but Steindl believes the young hopefuls are ready to make the step up and improve their game.

He said: "These guys are consistent, we know what we are going to get from them because they work hard. We can develop their skills in the team but it's up to them to take this opportunity and to play well.

"We're looking for players who can stand up and show what they can do so that we can start to turn our performance around. We need players who will fight and who know their strengths.

"We're looking to develop as a team and to keep putting in some strong performances. There are areas to work on. I would like to see us bat with a bit more freedom and be competitive in our play and in fielding. We are looking to put everything together and be more competitive."

It promises to be a baptism of fire for Coleman in particular, who is seen as a bright young talent by the Saltires coaching staff. Still a pupil at Strathallan School in Perthshire, he is also a member of the Warwickshire Academy and fits cricket around his school studies as he prepares for exams.

Despite the schoolboy's tender age, Steindl and the selectors have full confidence in his abilities.

"We think he has the attributes to be a good cricketer. He does have areas to work on but he has played well recently and showed real maturity and composure," Steindl said. "We thought it was time we called him up, brought him up into the squad and showed him what playing for Scotland Saltires is all about."

Coleman was one of three players called up to the squad, along with Marc Petrie and Matthew Parker, who were recently sent to a national academy camp in India in order to learn more about both their individual games and the game of cricket itself. Steindl believes the camp was a success.

He said: "The guys went for two weeks. It was successful, they came back wiser players with some newly-developed skills.

"The camp was focusing on developing their necessary skills to prepare them to play in the sub continent and to prepare them for playing against spin."

Edinburgh-born York bowler Laidlaw didn't make the trip to India but after some impressive performances playing in the regional championships he has been handed his opportunity.

"Neil is a medium-fast bowler and a power left-hand hitter," Steindl said. "He has impressed us recently as he has been playing really well for the Western Warriors. He's putting the ball into good areas and we believe that he will add value to the Saltires."

The Saltires open their campaign against Leicestershire at Grace Road on Sunday 16 May (a match which is live on Sky Sports), and will follow that up with a double-header at Citylets Grange in Edinburgh against Kent and Nottinghamshire on 22 and 23 May.