By Ronan Alexander
With the English county season well underway, with no regular roundup show, it can be quite hard to keep track of how everyone is getting on. Even more so, for the Scottish contingent playing their trade on the county circuit. So, I wanted to give an overview of where you can find all the Scottish players this summer and how they have been getting on in the first few weeks of the season.
DURHAM
MICHAEL JONES
The 24-year-old opening batter has had an excellent start to the new season. Jones scored his maiden first-class century in the second round of matches as he racked up 108 in a draw at Chester-le-Street against Leicestershire. Jones, who was a reserve in Scotland’s T20 World Cup squad, has featured in all three games so far, and joins England opener Alex Lees at the top of Durham’s order. With scores of 9, 5, 22 and 4 outwith his ton, he will be looking for a touch more consistency and cement his place in James Franklin’s side for the season ahead. Getting more white ball opportunities may also determine what part he plays with the national side this summer.
TOM MACKINTOSH
A highly rated keeper batter who is a key part of Durham’s 2nd XI. The side from the North-East released keeper Stuart Poynter over the winter, so Mackintosh is now the understudy to Ned Eckersley so will be pushing for his first team debut this summer. Has played one 2nd XI match so far, making 26 in the second innings against a Hampshire attack including Mason Crane and Brad Wheal. We wrote a detailed profile on Mackintosh in our first magazine, which is still available to purchase here: https://scoutingcricket.com/magazine/
DERBYSHIRE
MARK WATT
Has signed up for the Vitality Blast T20 competition only, which gets underway at the end of May. Watt will be aiming to impress and pick up a contract as a wildcard in The Hundred which takes place in August.
GLAMORGAN
RUAIDHRI SMITH
Has yet to feature for the 1st XI this season due to recovering from a calf niggle. The seamer has made his comeback in 2nd XI cricket over the last week, getting 5 overs under his belt, conceding only six runs and adding 46 with the bat. Despite primarily being a seam bowler, Smith’s late order hitting is becoming more intriguing, as he achieved a strike rate of 154 in the Second XI T20 last summer. Glamorgan have a packed schedule playing six weeks on the trot, so Smith will be hoping a spot in the side opens up as they rotate their bowlers.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
GEORGE SCOTT
The all-rounder who featured in five County Championship matches last summer, is yet to break into the team in 2022 and has had to be patient in the 2nd XI. Has been opening the batting in red ball cricket and made scores of 16, 50 and 24 this summer. Was part of Scotland’s 40-man T20 World Cup squad, where he scored 107 runs in the Warm-Up games, striking at 134. The pace hitter operates either as a number 3 or 7 in the white ball game and will again be pushing for international recognition this summer.
HAMPSHIRE
BRAD WHEAL
Despite playing almost every red ball match last summer and taking 34 wickets in the process, Wheal finds himself out of the Hampshire side for the time being. Took 5/27 for the 2’s as he fights to earn back his place. Was superb in The Hundred last summer and for bowlers who bowled more than 48 balls, he had the best average, best strike rate and 2nd best dot ball percentage. Will be linking up with London Spirit again this year.
LEICESTERSHIRE
SCOTT STEEL
A highly rated opener known for his ability to maximise the powerplay by smashing pace and hitting regular boundaries whilst chipping in with part time spin. Plays 2’s cricket in red ball but will be on Scotland’s radar as an option this summer.
SOMERSET
JOSH DAVEY
Has been integral to Somerset’s success over recent years. Missed the first couple weeks of the season due to injury but is back now and will be looking to have another impressive year. Continuously goes under the radar.
SAM ELSTONE
A member of the Scotland Under 19 World Cup squad and broke into Somerset’s 2nd XI last summer. Yet to feature in 2022 but has plenty top tier batters to learn from at Taunton.
Pre-order issue 2 of our magazine: https://scoutingcricket.com/magazine/
SUSSEX
CHARLIE TEAR
Another member of the 19’s squad, the keeper batter caught the eye with 54 against Australia. Has been tearing it up (sorry) so far this summer with scores of 68 and 115 against a strong Kent 2nd XI attack featuring the likes of Freddie Klaassen, Grant Stewart and Harry Podmore. Sussex have Mohammad Rizwan as one of their overseas so we can expect to see his keeping move up a level. My favourite one-to-watch this summer. I see him as a real candidate for international recognition soon.
BRAD CURRIE
Featured in the 40-man World Cup squad and was a late reserve for the recent victories against Oman and PNG. A left arm quick – the only bowling type the national side doesn’t have a regular of. Grabbed 2/51 and 2/69 against Gloucestershire 2’s last week.
WORCESTERSHIRE
OLLY DAVIDSON
A left arm spinner who is part of the Pears 2’s and a Scotland under 19 international and arguably their most impressive bowler. Bowls with real consistency and control. Has a bright future ahead of him.
Check out our podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1fkbTxA5arjmp3qHBzsnE4
SOUTH ASIAN CRICKET ACADEMY
TAIMOOR AHMAD
Part of a new side featuring in the Second XI Championship. Also, a key part of Ferguslie CC in the West of Scotland Premier League. A seam bowling all-rounder, yet to feature in their first two matches.
ADIL GHAFFAR
The second part of the Ferguslie duo playing for the South Asian Cricket Academy. 24-year-old seamer who was formerly part of the Scotland 19’s setup. Has been opening the bowling in the 2nd XI Champ so far.
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://scoutingcricket.substack.com/
OWAIS SHAH
Former Lancashire opener, an opening batter who has also represented Scotland Performance Academy. Will be hoping to make big runs and get back on the county circuit.
ANDREW UMEED
Made his Scotland debut in 2015 and was previously on the books at Warwickshire. Captaining the South Asian Cricket Academy and made 77 against Yorkshire earlier this week.
scoutingcricket.com 