Botham backs Scotland (29 April 1999)

29 April 1999

Botham backs Scotland

Keith Graham

"Enjoy it!" That was the unequivocal message delivered yesterday to the Scottish players by Ian Botham when the countdown to the forthcoming World Cup began at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, home of Grange Cricket Club, which will host two of Scotland's games, against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

The former England captain and all-rounder emphasised the importance of the World Cup and the carnival atmosphere he hoped it would generate, especially for younger supporters.

Botham was up-beat about the contribution Scotland's participation could make to fostering the game north of the border. He was confident that the Scots would beat Bangladesh and also forecast that New Zealand, should they have a bad day, could be beaten by the Scots.

"Anything is possible and I expect there will be some shocks and Scotland having done the hard bit in reaching the finals, could certainly cause an upset," he added.

Scottish coach Jim Love was also up-beat and promised that Scotland would maintain a positive approach despite having to open their campaign with a daunting game against Australia.

Describing the training trip to Sharjah from which they only returned earlier this week, Love was confident that the players were as well prepared as they could possibly be, fighting fit and raring to go. "We shall be creating a positive image of how the game is played in Scotland," he said.

Less up-beat was the news that as yet the Scots have failed to secure team sponsorship except for the game against Bangladesh.

SCU chairman John Everett said that 3,500 tickets had been sold for the New Zealand game in Edinburgh and 2,800 for the game against Bangladesh.

Scotland's opening game is against Australia at Worcester on Sunday, May 16.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)