Scotland receives financial boost

Scotland have received a cash injection of £317,000 from Sportscotland, the national agency for sport, to help with coaching, youth cricket and club development.

"Cricket in Scotland continues to progress in all areas," Roddy Smith, Cricket Scotland's chief executive, said. "The support of Sportscotland is invaluable in assisting us to put the structures and programmes in place to drive our game forward."

Patricia Ferguson, the Sports Minister, announced the funding - of which £144,000 comes from the National Lottery - at an Easter cricket academy in Edinburgh

"Cricket has a long history in Scotland and this investment will help to ensure the sport has a bright future," she said. "Funding will help to develop the youth game and support clubs as they promote cricket at a local level as well as providing a boost for the Scottish team as they prepare for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies."

Scotland were due to face Australia during their tour of England last year but, rather predictably, rain washed out the day. They will hope for a better forecast when they face Pakistan in a one-dayer this year on June 27 at Edinburgh.