Dravid signs for Scotland

Scotland have confirmed the signing of Indian batsman Rahul Dravid for the 2003 season.

Scotland are playing in the National League for the first time this summer, and Dravid is expected to play in 11 matches, as well as the one-dayer against Pakistan on June 7.

"Due to the busy schedule we have had in the last few years, the option of playing for Scotland was a very attractive one for me," Dravid said. "It will be exciting for me to work with Scotland and hopefully I will be able to help them in their quest to get a World Cup berth in 2007. And I will be delighted to work with some of the young cricketers in Scotland while I am there."

Dravid had been linked with Scotland for several weeks but the contract was only signed in the last few days. He will make his Scotland debut against Hampshire at Edinburgh on June 1 - a match which will be covered live by Sky Sports - and play until the end of August.

Scotland captain Craig Wright said that he was delighted at the news. "This is a major coup for our squad and for Scottish cricket," he explained. "It will be a great boost for us to share a dressing room with a player of such proven calibre and experience."