OWEN DAWKINS REFLECTS ON 'A' TEAM SUCCESS

Scotland Men 'A' returned to action last week with a series of T20 and T10 fixtures against a Dubai Sandstorm side in Glasgow - and enjoyed a 100% record with six wins from six.

 

Johnathan Van Zyl struck two half-centuries - including a 40-ball 74, alongside Liam Naylor's 94 from 43 deliveries, as Scotland chased down 199 in Wednesday's second T20- whilst Jack Jarvis (64 from 28) also struck a half-century on the opening day of action.

 

The results from the week can be viewed by clicking here.

 

Scotland Men's Head Coach Owen Dawkins said: "It was a fantastic week's cricket in the sunshine for our 'A' team on two very good cricket wickets at Clydesdale and West of Scotland.

 

"I’m delighted with the results - to win all six games was really pleasing and just reward for the squad. What impressed me was the way we went about our cricket; we set clear goals around playing brave, positive cricket, and the players fully embraced that approach throughout the week.

 

"The batters displayed an attacking mindset and backed their strong options, but perhaps the most impressive aspect was the running between the wickets. In challenging conditions with the heat, we consistently put the opposition under pressure by fighting for every run, and maximised every scoring opportunity.

 

"The bowling unit demonstrated excellent growth throughout the week in terms of delivering on their skills and game awareness. This was highlighted in our one-run victory on Wednesday, when we defended 21 from the final four overs - Zainullah (Ihsan) held his nerve brilliantly to defend seven runs in the final over, with Lyle (Robertson) producing a superb direct-hit run out from the last ball.

 

"In the field, the players displayed attributes of the dynamism we are looking for, producing some outstanding work across the six games - this remains an area where we can continue to improve and develop, as it is one of the key attributes required to be successful in international cricket.

 

"Overall, the squad should be extremely proud of both the results and, more importantly, the manner in which they achieved them. Their commitment to our agreed playing principles, the willingness to be brave, and the continuous improvement shown throughout the week were excellent to see."

 

Next up for Scotland Men 'A' will be a series of fixtures against an MCC side at Clydesdale from 15 - 17 July, whilst they also face Denmark and Jersey later this summer.