A spin-worry Scotland arrived in Dhaka yesterday with a hope to make a mark in the two-match one-day international series against Bangladesh.
It would be the first international matches on foreign soil for the International Cricket Council (ICC) associate members when they take on Habibul Bashar's men on December 15 in Chittagong and December 17 in Dhaka.
“Obviously it is a great honour. We have come here knowing that Bangladesh have been playing some good cricket and it is an opportunity for all of us to make a mark," said captain Craig Wright on their arrival at the Zia International Airport.
“Cricket in Scotland is getting
popular but is still some way behind football in terms of passionate following. It is nothing like what cricket is in Bangladesh but more and more people are getting interested in the game these days,” he added.
The Scottish skipper is set to become the most capped international player of all time for his country if he plays in both the games against Bangladesh. The match in Dhaka will be his 154th cap and will enable him to overtake current record holder Greig Williamson.
Coach Peter Drinnen said that the conditions would be the major challenge for his side.
“We know that spin usually plays a big part here. We have four spinners in our team and they should enjoy bowling on conditions that suit slow bowling,” said Drinnen.
For Gavin Hamilton, Bangladesh's name holds bitter
memories as the 32-year-old allrounder's unfortunate run out in the 1999 World Cup in Edinburgh had paved the way for Bangladesh to win the match. The star cricketer scored 63 runs in that match.
“Yes I remember that match very well. We lost unfortunately. I would say that Bangladesh have gone ahead since and that is only natural because they have had the chance to play against top quality teams on a regular basis which is the only way you can improve in cricket,” remembered Hamilton, who has also played for England.
Scotland have made a last minute change to their side with Brisbane-born Glen Rogers replacing Johan Dewald Nel.
The tourists fly to Chittagong tomorrow and play a warm-up match against Academy side in the port city on Thursday. Bangladesh have left last night.