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European Championship: Wright back for Scotland

By Keith Graham

21 July 1998


SCOTLAND look certain to recall Craig Wright for today's vital Group A game against Holland in the European Championship in The Hague. The tall West of Scotland bowler sustained a back injury last week but is likely to be pronounced fit this morning.

Wright was badly missed in Scotland's nerve-tingling victory over England on Sunday. His extra height is likely to induce more bounce on the artificial surfaces here and the Scots certainly leaked early runs as England seemed to have set course for victory.

The resilience of the Scots, their tenacious ground fielding and a much better bowling performance in the later stages, turned the game round although English coach Chris Old was furious with the way his batsmen threw wickets away in the last few overs.

Holland, favourites for the title on home ground, have already secured convincing victories over Denmark and Ireland, although Sunday's performance against the Irish was fitful when they lost five wickets for 70, chasing Ireland's meagre 134.

The Scots, however, have a good track record against the Dutch, beating them in the last competition in Denmark in a thriller. And after victories over Worcestershire in the NatWest and their one-day series win over Bangladesh there is an air of confidence in the Scottish camp.

Mike Smith is showing signs of a return to his best form and with George Salmond and Greig Williamson hitting the ball so cleanly and Douglas Lockhart providing the backbone, their batting looks strong. James Brinkley adds the cutting edge to the bowling and if Wright is fit, this could be the contest of the tournament.


Source: The Electronic Telegraph
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Date-stamped : 07 Oct1998 - 04:31