Scotland name experienced World Cup squad

Scotland have followed Ireland's lead by naming their World Cup squad seven months before the start of the tournament.

Officials explained that the early announcement was made to allow the largely amateur squad to negotiate time off work for not only the tournament but the plethora of fixtures in the lead-in to the event.

It is a largely experienced squad, although Warwickshire's Navdeep Poonia has been picked with just one appearance for the national side under his belt. He has impressed selectors with his efforts for the county, however, and his opportunities for Scotland have been limited by those commitments. Majid Haq, the spinner, wins a recall after not playing since 2005.

"The nucleus of this squad has performed consistently for Scotland over the last couple of seasons," Peter Drinnen, the national coach, explained. "They fully deserve the opportunity to represent their country on the biggest stage in the world."

Of the Scotland squad which competed in 1999 only John Blain and Gavin Hamilton remain, although Dougie Brown returns after nine one day internationals for England.

Scotland squad , Craig Wright (capt), John Blain, Dougie Brown, Gavin Hamilton, Majid Haq, Paul Hoffmann, Omer Hussain, Douglas Lockhart, Ross Lyons, Navdeep Poonia, Neil McCallum, Dewald Nel, Colin Smith, Ryan Watson, Fraser Watts. Reserves Asim Butt, Kyle Coetzer, Gordon Goudie, Gregor Maiden, Neil McRae, Qasim Sheikh, Simon Smith, Ian Stanger.