Scotland to play in England's 2nd XI Championship

Scotland's second tier of international cricketers will play at least six three-day matches in next season's County 2nd XI Championship.

Scotland A have been accepted for the first time into the established county second-string tournament, with away matches against Derbyshire (May 9-11), Nottinghamshire (May 22-24), Lancashire (May 30 to June 1), Yorkshire (June 5-7), Leicestershire (June 19-21) and Durham (July 25-27).

The news means that Scotland A cricketers will play at least 18 days of high-level cricket during the 2007 domestic season - in addition to the three one-day matches in the European Under-23 Championships at the beginning of July at venues in the west of Scotland.

Scotland's participation in the competition was negotiated by national coach Peter Drinnen, in the wake of 'friendly' matches last season against Durham and Lancashire. Drinnen has always believed there was a major gap in the promotional ladder for Scottish players trying to make the leap from club to country.

"It is one of the most significant developments for Scottish cricket in the past five years," he said. "It will give youngsters aspiring to represent their country at the highest level an unrivalled chance to raise their standards and show their skills in longer games, in advance of winning their full caps."

Other matches may also be possible; Warwickshire and Sussex are keen to play their 2nd XI against Scotland A, but this will be very much dependent on sponsorship being found. Each game is expected to cost Cricket Scotland around £3,000, and currently there is no separate funding for this major opportunity to develop the Scottish players.

Roddy Smith, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, said: "This additional expenditure will put an increased burden on CS finances in 2007. However the Board have agreed this as a high priority for the year and will be seeking additional external support for the project to complement CS resources."