Chalmers has what it takes to make the grade for Scotland

former captain feels Watsonians teenager will take promotion in his stride

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IN THE NETS: Canada’s Sunil Dhaniram gets in some batting at Mannofield yesterday. Kami Thomson

Former Scotland captain Craig Wright believes Ewan Chalmers can make his mark on the international cricket stage.

The Watsonians teenager is in line to make his full cap debut in today’s Intercontinental Cup match against Canada at Mannofield, Aberdeen.

Wright, the player’s under-19 coach, believes Chalmers will take promotion in his stride. He said: “Ewan is not far away from being the finished article.

“He has scored runs in the Premier Division of the SNCL, for both Watsonians and the under-19s, and has probably earned his chance.

“Pakistan fielded a 17-year-old in the World Twenty20 recently so age should be no barrier. Ewan has a good temperament and I think he would relish playing at a higher level.”

Chalmers has already notched two SNCL centuries for Watsonians this season and boasts an average of 85.

Wright, who will look on for the first time since announcing his retirement last month, is backing the new-look Scots to win the Intercontinental Cup for the first time since 2004.

The trophy has been lifted three times in a row by Ireland since Scotland became inaugural winners under Wright’s captaincy.

He added: “We are starting the new campaign with two home games in Aberdeen and if we can get off to a good start it will give confidence a huge lift.

“The side is going into a transitional phase, but there is still plenty of experience and talent around.”

The Scots are going for a hat-trick of cup wins against the Canadians having trounced them in the 2004 final in Dubai and again in Toronto last summer.

Gordon Drummond, who will captain the side for the first time in the absence of Gavin Hamilton, said: “It’s a fantastic honour for me and I am determined to help the side get off to a winning start.

“We are missing a few experienced players, but this is a challenge to be savoured for the guys who play.”

In addition to Hamilton, the Scots are without Durham’s Kyle Coetzer and Nav Poonia of Warwickshire.

Their seam bowling attack has also been hit by injuries to Dewald Nel, Gordon Goudie, Sean Weeararatna and Matt Parker as well as Wright’s retirement.

Wicketkeeper Colin Smith has been retired and senior bowler John Blain is out of favour.