MARK WATT BELIEVES SCOTLAND CAN SPRING SURPRISE AT WORLD CUP

Mark Watt believes Scotland are ready to spring a surprise in India and Sri Lanka following their late call-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

 

Scotland open their campaign against the West Indies on Saturday morning, a side they defeated at the World Cup in 2022 - and despite the limited preparation time, Watt believes his side can repeat that result at Eden Gardens.

 

The left-arm spinner said: "Yeah, definitely (hoping to cause a surprise). We've got a few hidden talents in our squad that people haven't seen a lot before. It'd be quite funny thinking about the England analysis team trying to find club cricket games of some of our youngsters, so we've all had a laugh about that.

 

"But I don't think teams will take us lightly, we've caused a few upsets in the past. We had a really good start against England in the last World Cup game that was sadly rained off, so I don't think teams will be taking us lightly at all."

 

Most of the Scotland squad have been together in India for a week - playing two warm-up games, against Afghanistan and Namibia, in Bangalore, before moving to Kolkata, where they will play their first three games.

 

 

"We've had a great week here in India," Watt continued.

 

"We've got a lot of youngsters in our team at the moment. I mean, how more excited could they be? They were sitting in their house doing nothing 10 days ago and now they're in India at a World Cup. So it's absolutely amazing for them, it's amazing for everyone.

 

"Sometimes actually having a break from the game is a good thing. You can overthink too much about, oh, we're playing against England, we're playing against the West Indies, and all these thoughts and ideas come into your head.

 

"But sometimes it's actually quite refreshing to go away and not really think too much about it. And then, we'll take it on head first when it comes. 

 

"For us, it's just worry about yourself and make yourself the best possible player you can be in that preparation time. And then, for example, today we'll talk about the West Indies.

 

"But I think the whole lead up and preparation wise is trying to be getting the best out of yourself, and then kind of worry about the opposition the night before or on the day."

 

Scotland play the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Saturday morning from 0930 GMT - live on Sky Sports and BBC Test Match Special.