Scotland ready to ring the changes (27 May 1999)

27 May 1999

Scotland ready to ring the changes

The Electronic Telegraph

Scotland coach Jim Love issued a rallying call to his team yesterday as they prepared to face one of the most daunting days of their careers.

With their realistic hopes of World Cup glory shattered by the 22-run defeat against Bangladesh on Monday, Scotland must somehow raise themselves for a daunting Group B encounter with the West Indies at Leicester today.

Brian Lara's men are notoriously inconsistent but they know maximum points must be obtained if they are to set up a qualification decider against Australia.

Facing Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh is hardly the ideal pick-me-up for the fragile Scottish top order.

At least one, and possibly more, of Scotland's front-line batsmen are at risk of losing their place in the side. But, although Love refused to reveal his line-up, he stressed his players could still look back on their performances with pride.

"We have competed in every game we have played so far," said Love. "Our top order have not made runs but neither have the sides we were playing against. We had Pakistan under pressure at Durham and we should have beaten Bangladesh."

Opener Bruce Patterson, whose duck against Bangladesh was his second of the competition, is almost certain to be excluded, with Mike Smith expected to partner Iain Philip.

Ian Stanger is also under pressure to perform and Love may opt to bring in Mike Allingham and move star all-rounder Gavin Hamilton higher up the order.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)