George Salmond interviewed about the Emerging Nations Tournament
What does the Harare tournament mean in terms of preparation for Toronto 2001
Tony Munro
27-Mar-2000
What does the Harare tournament mean in terms of preparation for Toronto 2001?
The Harare tournament opportunity gives us an opportunity to "blood" some younger/less experienced players in a comparable event in good time before Canada next year. Importantly, too, this us the chance to see some of our main rivals - Denmark, Holland, Ireland and compare where we are in relation to them, where we may have to strength etc. Having been on a number of voerseas trips, I also think it's important to see who adapts to tournaments of this sort, who the good team/squad members are and who, potentially, can potentially use unrest.
With the various personnel changes to the team since the World Cup, how would you describe the Scottish team's strengths and weaknesses?
At this level we have a great deal of depth in our batting with all-rounders and our wicket-keeper good enough to bat in the top five if needs be. James Brinkley will spearhead a good seam attack in an area of the game we have improved in over the past two/three seasons.
Tournaments of this kind obviously accelerate the development of Associate countries. Is this creating a dilemma in an era where most Associate cricketers, like yourself, are still making a living outside cricket?
Without wishing to sound too melodramatic, I feel that Scotland could, in five to 10 years be playing cricket more professionally, eg. One Day International status. Although this means in the short term that I and other players maybe have to give more time/commitment then so be it....we have got to visit great countries, play in World Cup(s)!!! and Commonwealth Games etc. It is hard working and fitting the ever more demanding training schedules in but I enjoy the training and the cricket and the opportunities we have means that it is difficult to complain. It is hard when we are asked to compete against 100 per cent full-timers, eg World Cup...we were way out of our depth...but what an experience!!
After captaining Scotland's first ever World Cup team, was there a temptation to go out on a high and retire?
There was a temptation (is that a hint!??) but at 29, I felt I still had age on my side and quickly set myself the target of playing (maybe captaining) in Canada to hopefully help Scotland qualify for the 2003 World Cup. Whether I play there would be another matter!! I enjoy the game too much, not sure if, after 11 years of international cricket, I would be motivated to play club cricket only.
Which players should we expect big performances from? Any surprises?
It's about time I got back in on the act, so me!! Don't think I should pass the buck. Greig Williamson and James Brinkley complete the trio left from the World Cup squad and I would expect us to do perform well. Colin Smith as w/keeper and batsman, Ayuz Gul with the bat and Craig Wright as an all-rounder are others I expect to do well.
Malaria is a problem in Zimbabwe. Are kilts an off-field option?
Kilts are not really an option. For the length of time we are there they wouldn't be practical and given the heat and humidity, I think it's just as well!