WC team preview: Scotland out to avoid 1999, 2007 relapse

Scotland have lived under England's shadow and struggled to gain even a foothold. Their cricketing journey began in 1992 when they broke away from the TCCB (Test and County Cricket Board) as the England and Wales Cricket Board was then known. In 1994, they became Associate members of the ICC and started off on a good note when they finished third in the ICC Trophy of 1997, gaining qualification for the ICC World Cup in 1999.

The tournament proved to be a hard test for the Scots as they lost all matches in the first round. In 2007, they were again winless. Scotland have secured qualification for the 2015 World Cup and will be aiming to put in a better performance.

Group: Pool A

Captain: Preston Mommsen

Strengths

Their batting has a mixture of youth and experience. Kyle Coetzer provides good value in the middle order with 718 runs (average 39.88). Richie Berrington, who became the first Scotland batsman to score a T20I century, can provide aggression at the top while allrounder Josh Davey, who scored an unbeaten 53 and picked up 6 for 28 against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, provides utility.

Weakness

The lack of experience of playing against major teams, let alone a major tournament, is a big hindrance. Scotland have mostly played one-off ODIs against Australia, England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They are also playing in a World Cup after eight years, thus their ability to cope with pressure will be limited.

X-factor

Berrington has contributed to a few Scotland successes. In a series against Ireland, he scored an unbeaten 101 off 126 balls to help Scotland bounce back, and in a T20I against Bangladesh at The Hague he smashed a century off 55 balls to give Scotland their only victory against a Test-playing nation. Clearly, Berrington can spur the team to victories.

Dark horse

With 49 ODIs under his belt, Majid Haq has plenty of experience. He is the leading wicket-taker in his team with 57 wickets (average 31) and is the only bowler in the squad who has a five-for. Given the pitches in Australia have been slow and spin has played a part, his offspin will be of great value to the team.

Recent form: (last six months)

v Ireland: Lost 1-2 (away)

v Afghanistan and Ireland in UAE (ongoing series): Lost two, won one

Past World Cup experience:

Scotland's only appearances in the World Cup were in 1999 in Britain and 2007 in the Caribbean. In 1999, they lost to Australia by six wickets, Pakistan by 94 runs, Bangladesh by 22 runs in their first World Cup match at home in Edinburgh, were bowled out for a mere 68 by West Indies and 121 by New Zealand. Their critics said Scotland wasted the opportunity. In 2007, they were crushed by Australia (203 runs), South Africa (seven wickets) and Netherlands (eight wickets) to exit at the first stage.

Squad

Preston Mommsen (capt), Kyle Coetzer (v/c), Richie Berrington, Freddie Coleman, Matthew Cross (wk), Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Hamish Gardiner, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Safyaan Sharif, Robert Taylor and Iain Wardlaw.

Fixtures

February 17: vs New Zealand, University Oval, Dunedin

February 23: vs England, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

February 26: vs Afghanistan, University Oval, Dunedin

March 5: vs Bangladesh, Saxton Oval, Nelson

March 11: vs Sri Lanka, Bellerive Oval, Hobart

March 14: vs Australia, Bellerive Oval, Hobart