Davison is out of Intercontinental Cup semi - again

John Davison has withdrawn from the Canada squad - again - after the Intercontinental Cup trophy semi-final against the United Arab Emirates was put back owing to the death of His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE.

Both semi-final matches were due to start in Sharjah on November 16, but that would be the last day of the official state mourning and so the ICC agreed to the postponement.

Davison had originally announced he would not play for Canada, among reports that he was wary of missing two Pura Cup matches for South Australia, for whom he has struggled to anchor a first team place. But then it was announced that he would, in fact, play after he negotiated his release from his Australian side in order to lead his team in Sharjah.

But now Canada will have to do without his services for the rescheduled semi-final owing to his contractual commitments with South Australia. Ian Billcliff will take on the captaincy mantle. Billcliff had been handed the captain's duty after Davison initially announced he was unavailable. Davison had already said he would not be able to play in the final, should Canada overhaul the UAE.

Meanwhile, Scotland will be without Dougie Brown, who has been ruled out of the tournament with an elbow injury. He will be replaced by the medium-fast bowler Dewald Nel.