Saltires to scour the market for batsman

CRICKET Scotland will prioritise the signing of a prolific batsman in a bid to fortify their assault against the English counties this summer in the Clydesdale Bank Pro 40. The plan comes just weeks after a lack of runs cost the Saltires a place at the ICC World Twenty 20, with the coaching staff now accepting the need to field a more competitive line-up.

The move will come at a cost. With the Saltires handed an increased quota of domestic fixtures by the ECB, officials have confirmed that the governing body will be forced pick up the entire costs of employing an imported player, rather than splitting the bill with a Scottish League club. However, the recruitment drive will now begin in earnest with South Australia opener Cameron Borgas, who featured for the side last season, among the prime candidates.

"We want to get a deal tied up in the next six weeks," said chief executive Roddy Smith. "The only certainty is that it won't be a club pro this time because of the heavier schedule. We're definitely looking at signing a batter."

Meanwhile, Sky Sports have confirmed that they will not screen Scotland's one-day international with England on 19 June at The Grange.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed it was "too early" to determine their interest.