Scotland cricketers eye English scalps

Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer wants his cricketers to follow the example of the Netherlands and Ireland by becoming the latest non-Test nation to beat England.

The Scots face England in a one-day international in Aberdeen on Friday.

It will be the match that launches Peter Moores’s second spell as England coach and the team’s first in any format since their humiliating defeat by the Dutch at the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.

For the Netherlands that was their second major victory over England following a win at Lord’s during the 2009 World Twenty20, while Ireland had a memorable day in defeating their near-neighbours at the 2011 ODI World Cup in Bangalore.

“There are some fresh faces in there, and obviously a new coach, so I can imagine there are a few players trying to prove themselves,” Coetzer told reporters on Thursday.

“No one’s position is cemented yet, so I think some of them may be feeling a little bit of pressure to have to perform in this game.

“We’re meant to be the underdogs, so we can maybe prey on all that a little bit.

“A good start to the game (for Scotland) could really bring back some haunting memories for them,” the Northamptonshire batsman added.

Former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood was a member of Scotland’s backroom staff when they qualified for next year’s World Cup.

Scotland assistant coach Craig Wright said he had spoken to Collingwood, still playing for Durham, recently and that England’s 2010 World Twenty20-winning captain has given him some useful advice.

“I can’t possibly tell you what it is,” said Wright.

Scotland have also picked the brains of Dutch captain Peter Borren, who led his side to that stunning 45-run win in Bangladesh just a few weeks ago.

“They had success against England previously, but in Bangladesh they went into that game with genuine belief. That’s something for us to tap into,” Wright said.

Scotland, as well as England will be looking to impress a new coach in front of an expected 2,000 sell-out crowd in Aberdeen, a hotbed of cricket north of the border.

New Zealander Grant Bradburn, who takes over as Scotland coach in July, will be in the crowd.

“I suppose Ireland and Holland do have one up on us at the moment, having taken a couple of scalps,” said Aberdeen-born and raised Coetzer.

“But this is our time to prove ourselves.”

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