Coetzer fit to lead Scots challenge

Kyle Coetzer has declared himself fit to lead Scotland in the World T20 Qualifiers in the UAE in November.

Coetzer, 29, missed the final six weeks of the season with Nothamptonshire with a wrist injury which also kept him out of Scotland's ODI with Australia and World Cricket League and Intercontinental Cup ties with Ireland.

With a batting average of 47.85, Coetzer is a key element of Scotland's line up and a large hole was left at the top of the order against Australia and Ireland.

Coetzer will be joined in the UAE by fellow Northants player David Murphy, who helped his county win promotion in the County Championship and lift the Friends Life t20 title.

Young Sussex batsman Matt Machan, who made his Scotland debut earlier this season, is also in the squad for the qualifiers which begin on November 15 but 21-year-old Freddie Coleman is unavailable due to university studies.

Scotland, who have brought former England allrounder Paul Collingwood into their coaching set up, will fancy their chances of returning to a global tournament, with six qualifying places available for Bangladesh.

"I'm really excited about the challenges that lie ahead," Coetzer said. "It's a significant tournament and it's crunch time now. This is an opportunity to show the character of this squad.

"Having the likes of Paul Collingwood and Craig Wright joining our coaching team is only going to add to the experience we have at our disposal. Paul has had a successful season at Durham, and being an Ashes and T20 World Cup winner he will bring that unique knowledge.

"It's an exciting time. We've got the quality in the squad, there is no doubt about that, we just have to make sure that we show our potential."

Scotland squad for World T20 Qualifiers
Kyle Coetzer (capt), Preston Mommsen, Richie Berrington, Neil Carter, Matthew Cross, Gordon Goudie, Majid Haq, Moneeb Iqbal, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, David Murphy, Safyaan Sharif, Robert Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.