Scotland have confirmed their 15-player squad for a crucial home leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, with four matches against the United Arab Emirates and Canada scheduled at Forthill in Dundee this August. The series carries real weight: Scotland currently sit second in the standings, and a strong showing at home could go a long way toward securing a spot in the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Quick Summary

Why the Squad Has Changed

Scotland have made three alterations from the group that toured Nepal in May. Two players — Brad Currie and Owen Gould — are unavailable through injury, while all-rounder Michael Leask has been left out of this squad. Filling those spots are Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, and uncapped newcomer Lyle Robertson.

For a side fighting for World Cup Qualifier positioning, squad depth matters as much as headline talent. Having options ready to step in when regulars are injured or unavailable is exactly the kind of depth national selectors look to build ahead of a qualification push — and this reshuffle shows Cricket Scotland testing that depth in real conditions rather than waiting until a crisis forces their hand.

Player Spotlight: Who’s Coming In

Michael Jones returns after missing Scotland’s previous two tours due to his commitments with Lancashire in England. The 28-year-old right-hander arrives in good form, having struck an unbeaten 67 against Surrey in the 2026 One Day Cup. It’s worth noting he hasn’t featured in an ODI for Scotland since 2024, so this series doubles as a re-introduction to international cricket at the highest level he’s played domestically.

Zainullah Ihsan comes back into the fold on the back of consistent form across the summer — in training, for his club side GHK, and in regional cricket with Western Warriors.

Lyle Robertson, 23, earns his first senior call-up. He played for Scotland’s U19 side at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean and spent time with Gloucestershire’s 2nd XI through 2023. Since then, his form for Falkland, Scotland “A,” and the Caledonian Highlanders in the Men’s Regional Super Series has pushed him into senior contention — a fairly typical pathway for Scotland’s system, where regional and “A” team performances often serve as the final selection filter before an international call-up.

Full Scotland Squad

• Richie Berrington (Captain)
• Matthew Cross
• Oliver Davidson
• Jasper Davidson
• Michael English
• Zainullah Ihsan
• Jack Jarvis
• Michael Jones
• Ollie Jones
• Finlay McCreath
• Brandon McMullen
• George Munsey
• Lyle Robertson
• Safyaan Sharif
• Mark Watt

Fixture Schedule

All four matches take place at Forthill, giving Scotland home advantage across the entire series — a factor that can matter in League 2, where travel and unfamiliar conditions have tripped up teams in past cycles.

Where Scotland Stand in League 2

Scotland have picked up 38 points from 32 matches, placing them second in the eight-team table, five points adrift of leaders USA. The format rewards consistency over a long home-and-away schedule, and only the top four teams progress to the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier. That means every match in this Forthill series has direct bearing on Scotland’s qualification math — wins here aren’t just morale boosters, they’re points that separate the top four from the rest.

Coach Owen Dawkins on the Squad

Head coach Owen Dawkins explained the reasoning behind the recalls and the new call-up. On Zainullah Ihsan and Michael Jones returning, he pointed to their recent form and, in Jones’s case, his renewed availability after a period tied up with Lancashire duties. On Robertson’s selection, Dawkins highlighted his Under-19 World Cup pedigree and steady progress since, describing his rise through club, “A” team, and Regional Super Series cricket as having earned him the call-up. His full comments were shared via the official Cricket Scotland website.

What to Watch For

A few storylines worth following through this series:

• Can Michael Jones translate domestic form into international runs? His One Day Cup century pace suggests he’s in good touch, but two years away from ODI cricket is a real gap to bridge.
• How does Lyle Robertson handle his debut? First caps at senior level often tell selectors more about temperament than technique.
• Can Scotland close the gap on USA? Five points isn’t insurmountable, but four home wins would put real pressure on the table.
• Does home advantage at Forthill hold up? Scotland’s recent record at their home venue will be worth tracking as the series unfolds.

FAQ

When do Scotland play UAE and Canada in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2?
The series runs from August 3 to August 13, with matches on August 3, 7, 9, and 13, all played at Forthill in Dundee.

Who captains Scotland in this series?
Richie Berrington captains the 15-player squad.

Who is in Scotland’s squad for this series?
The squad includes Richie Berrington (C), Matthew Cross, Oliver Davidson, Jasper Davidson, Michael English, Zainullah Ihsan, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Ollie Jones, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Lyle Robertson, Safyaan Sharif, and Mark Watt.

Why are Brad Currie and Owen Gould not in the squad?
Both are unavailable due to injury.

What does Scotland need to do to qualify for the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier?
Scotland need to finish in the top four of the eight-team ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 table. They currently sit second with 38 points from 32 matches.

Is this Lyle Robertson’s first international call-up?
Yes, this marks his maiden call-up to Scotland’s senior squad, having previously represented the Scotland U19 side.