There was controversy even before the start when the Scots, already hit by injuries, reported with only nine fit men, Keith Sheridan having damaged a finger against Wales while James Brinkley had a hamstring strain.

The Scots immediately requested dispensation to call in substitutes but it was only after lengthy discussions that the other competing nations allowed teenager Gregor Maiden and coach Jim Love to play.

Scotland then surprisingly opted to put in England and Richard Robinson and Steve Foster quickly got into their stride, taking 48 from the first 10 overs before Foster fell to a catch behind.

Butt was the succesful bowler and he made the next breakthrough, bowling Robinson. Scotland then drafted Drew Parsons into the attack the first time he has bowled in an international - and the youngster was rewarded with Giles Eccleston's wicket.

Jon Robinson however, breathed new life into the English innings, punishing anything loose and running briskly, and only splendid fielding by the Scots, with George Salmond outstanding, kept England's total down to 204 for 7. Robinson was last out for 72, including four fours and one six, an innings which won him the Man of the Match award.

Accurate bowling by Keith Arnold and Alan Richardson blunted the Scottish response but Alec Davies was unlucky to go to a catch by the wicket-keeper down the leg-side off Arnold.

Having lost Mike Smith cheaply, the onus was on Bruce Patterson who responded magnificently, pulling and driving with power. He and Salmond added 82 for the third wicket before Patterson went to a catch at midwicket, having reached 73 with the help of eight fours and a six. Salmond kept up the chase only to be run out and the same fate befell Ian Stanger and Love.