Watson stands down as Scotland captain

	Ryan Watson: 'It is vital we start planning for the future now and give a new captain the opportunity to stamp his own mark on the side' © International Cricket Council Enlarge
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Ryan Watson has resigned as Scotland captain following their failure to reach the 2011 World Cup.

Watson, who took the role following the 2007 tournament in West Indies, led the side for two years, but couldn't guide the team to a top-four finish in the recent ICC World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa, which means they miss out on the next World Cup in Asia.

He captained Scotland in their opening Friends Provident Trophy match against Middlesex, at Lord's, on Sunday but feels it is now right to let a new captain bed in and take the team forward.

"I have really enjoyed my two years as captain of the side, but the time is now right for the team to have a new leader," Watson said. "It is vital we start planning for the future now and give a new captain the opportunity to stamp his own mark on the side.

"I would like to thank all my team-mates, coaches and Cricket Scotland for their support over the last couple of years. We have shared some great moments together and I will always look back on my time as national captain fondly. The most important thing now is for me to get back to scoring runs for Scotland, and I look forward to working closely with the new captain.''

Peter Steindl, the head coach, said that he still sees Watson playing a major part in Scotland's future. "Ryan has taken this decision after long discussion with his team-mates, coaches and friends. He is an important member of the Scotland squad, now and in the future, and I am sure he will play a major role as one of our top batsmen in the next few years.

"It says a lot for Ryan that he has made the decision to rejoin the ranks, where he will play an invaluable role in supporting any future captain."

Scotland's next match is against Warwickshire on Sunday and the new captain will be named along with the squad later this week.