Neil McKenzie targeted by Scotland

The South African batsman, Neil McKenzie, is rumoured to be in talks with Scotland, after it was confirmed that India's Rahul Dravid will not be returning for a second season.

Scotland are looking for two overseas signings as they seek to build on a promising first season in the National League, and McKenzie, who has scored almost 4000 runs in 41 Tests and 59 ODIs, would be the perfect replacement for Dravid, who is to take a break after the current Test series against Pakistan.

"We're in discussions with two players and hope to have something tied up early next week," said Scotland's captain Craig Wright, who refused to confirm or deny reports that McKenzie is in the picture. The Scottish newspaper, The Daily Record, however, believes they are "close to a deal".

Scotland's other overseas player in 2003 was the South African, Jon Kent, who has already signed as a club professional and player-coach for the SMRH team in Edinburgh.