Israel open Euro campaign against Jersey

The Israel squad arrives in Glasgow Wednesday afternoon and won't have much time to shake off any jet lag before their opening game in the European Championships against Jersey on Thursday.

Israel can expect a tough challenge from Jersey, who are rated as one of the strongest teams in the group. This will be the first match between the teams. Israel play their second game on Saturday, against Norway, a team who they lost to heavily in 2004. Sunday's game against France will probably be Israel's best chance for a win, with the countries tied 2-2 in recent years' encounters. The tournaments' second group includes Guernsey, Gibraltar, Germany and Greece.

The Israel team, captained by Hillel Awasker, will once again rely heavily on leading allrounder Isaac Massil for both runs and wickets. The team includes four new caps, in wicket keepers Shai Bangerra and Shai Hayun, allrounder Lushenko Perreira, opening batsman Dovi Myers and fast bowler Isaac Talkar. Three members of Israel's hugely successful U19 team, Danny Hotz, Yaniv Razpurker and Hayun, will add some youthful vibrance to the squad as well. Hotz in particular will be expected to stamp his mark on the tournament. Although just 19, he is already a veteran of four years in the senior team and if he is able to duplicate his run scoring ability in the junior levels to the senior level, Israel's chances of success will be greatly enhanced.

Vastly experienced player who returns to captain the Israel team just when he may have thought his long and distinguished international career was over. A wily left arm slow bowler and left handed batsman, who in recent years has also become one of Israel's leading umpires.

Israel's most consistent performer over many years, Isaac is a classy batsman with superb timing and a full array of shots. He will again be expected to lead the bowling attack. He is enjoying another fantastic domestic season and travels to Scotland in superb form. Vice Captain.

A regular in the Israel team over many seasons, having made his debut in Kenya in 1994. A top order batsman and useful medium pace bowler who enjoyed a good tournament two years ago in Belgium.

Danny will be delighted to return to the Scottish wickets, having averaged over 60 in last years U19 tournament. At the age of 19 he already has 4 years experience in the senior team, with his superb fielding skills adding to his worth as a top order batsman.

Another player with vast international experience, Adrian is a terrific team man, popular with team mates and opponents alike, apart from being a reliable middle order batsman who is consistently a top performer in domestic cricket.

Shai is the youngest member of the squad, aged just 16. His rise to the senior team has been sensational - he only began playing cricket in the streets of his home town of Dimona in the Negev desert a few weeks before the 2002 U13 tournament, instantly taking to the task of wicket keeper. His batting consistently improves, and if he maintains the same enthusiasm for the game he will enjoy a very bright future.

The other half of the Massil partnership that has been so successful for Israel and Lions Lod over a number of seasons. An opening bowler who bowls a superb line and length, and a useful middle order batsman as well.

A young top order batsman with a full range of shots and the attitude to play them all. Made his debut in last years Maccabi Games and showed enough potential to suggest he will be a crucial part of Israel's batting line up for years to come.

A young wicket keeper and middle order batsman whose impressive performances in the domestic league have earned him a first call up to the senior team.

Isaac has taken the domestic league by storm this season, picking up wickets at will with his sharp pace. Although making his debut, he will carry heavy responsibility as the main strike bowler.

Part of a big cricketing family in Ashdod, Yaniv has been a major part of Israel's success at youth level and made his debut for the national team last year, bowling an excellent maiden spell against a classy South African Maccabi batting line up. He is also an agressive batsman and brilliant fielder, with a fantastic attitude to the game.

A tall left handed opening batsman, Dovi is another debutant in the team, earning selection on the amount of runs he has scored for his club both last year and again at the start of this season.

Hard hitting batsman and lively pace bowler who makes his debut for Israel after being a consistent and impressive performer in the domestic league.

A left handed batsman and left arm quick bowler who is passionate about his cricket. He has been a steady performer for Israel since making his debut in 2004, and is a potential match winner with either bat or ball.