Richie Berrington appointed new Scotland captain

Cricket Scotland have confirmed that all-rounder Richie Berrington will be taking over from Kyle Coetzer as the full-time captain of the country, with the 35-year-old’s first assignment set to be the tri-series involving Nepal and Namibia, starting next month. Coetzer, who led Scotland in 110 games, stepped down at the start of the month, and now Scotland have appointed the experienced Berrington as his successor. 

An official release revealed that the appointment of Berrington, 35, was ‘decided upon by the men’s coaching team in consultation with senior players and Cricket Scotland’s Interim Head of Performance based on players’ leadership skills and presence, behaviour, strategy, values and passion for the badge.’

Speaking of the appointment, Berrington said that he was ‘incredibly honoured and privileged’ to have the opportunity to lead the country. He also reserved words of praise for his predecessor Coetzer, whom he described as a ‘great ambassador’ for sport in the country. 

“I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to lead this team and represent my country. Having come through the Scottish system from a young age, I’m very proud to take on the role of men’s captain,” Berrington said.

“We have an extremely skilful and talented group of players and a lot of experience in our squad but as a group we are always looking to find ways to improve and I’m looking forward to seeing the team continually move forward. 

“As a team we’re very much looking forward to what’s ahead – three home series over the next couple of months is a great opportunity for us to keep building on the team’s recent success and we’ll be doing all we can to produce some good results in front of a home crowd.

“We’ve had a fantastic leader in Kyle, who has been a great ambassador for our sport and I have learnt a lot under his leadership. As men’s captain I am aiming to lead through performance, bringing my experience to the role and giving everything I can to help support the team.”

The 35-year-old singled out World Cup qualification as the team’s priority.

“Long term, World Cup qualification is key for us and we are determined to keep pushing towards full member status, while continuing to develop the younger players we have coming through.”

Wicket-keeper Matthew Cross, meanwhile, has been appointed vice-captain of the side for the games against Nepal and Namibia.

The tri-series will be played between 10th and 17th July. All games in the series are a part of part of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2.

Scotland squad to face Nepal and Namibia

Richie Berrington ©, Matthew Cross (wk) (vc), Kyle Coetzer, Calum Macleod, George Munsey, Dylan Budge, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Michael Leask, Gavin Main, Adrian Neill,  Hamza Tahir, Chris Sole, Chris McBride