The Scotland squad has been named today for the forthcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, taking place in Spain beginning on September 6.

The squad includes three players who did not travel to the Netherlands and Thailand Tri-Series in July. Abbi-Aitken Drummond returns after injury, while Chloe Abel is now available after receiving international clearance. Maryam Faisal, a standout in the team which played at the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup earlier this year, is called up to the full squad for the first time.

Several players were not considered for selection due to county or work commitments. Craig Wallace continues as Interim Head Coach, assisted by a backroom team including former Scotland and current New Zealand international Leigh Kasparek, Joe Kinghorn-Gray and physio Stephen McGregor.

Craig Wallace said:

“Since I’ve been involved, I’ve been impressed with everyone and enjoyed it immensely, and I can’t wait to get out to Spain and see the team play again. I think we’ve got an excellent squad, with a great mix of youth and experience.

“The younger players play really freely, with lots of energy, and it’s exciting to see them play their shots. On the other hand, we’ve got some very experienced heads who’ve played in many big games and tournaments, and hopefully we can use that blend to our advantage.

“There’s lots of games in a short space of time at this Qualifier, which is brilliant for us, but it will be quite tough physically. It’s going to be quite a challenge and a real squad effort if we can qualify.

“Since the Tri-Series in the Netherlands we’ve been working hard, especially on our batting and fielding, so I’m excited to see how we’ve developed since then. I thought it was a brilliant trip, especially since the team hadn’t played together in around ten months. While things were a bit shaky at the start, perhaps understandably, the next two games we played well, and worked towards the identity we want to have.”

Scotland Squad:

Kathryn Bryce (captain) 
Chloe Abel 
Abbi Aitken-Drummond 
Olivia Bell 
Sarah Bryce 
Darcey Carter 
Priyanaz Chatterji 
Maryam Faisal 
Lorna Jack 
Ailsa Lister 
Abtaha Maqsood 
Megan McColl 
Hannah Rainey 
Nayma Sheikh 

Scotland fixture schedule:

• v Italy September 6
• v Netherlands September 7
• v France September 8
• v Italy September 10
• v Netherlands September 11
• v France September 12

All matches take place at Desert Springs, Almeria, Spain, and will be broadcast on ICC TV.

Ahead of the Qualifier, a Scotland “A” squad has been selected for a series of T20 and 50-over matches against Ireland “A” between August 21 and August 25 at Clydesdale.

Scotland “A” Squad

Chloe Abel Middlesex/Tasmania
Abbi Aitken-Drummond Carlton
Olivia Bell Thunder
Priyanaz Chatterji Carlton
Maryam Faisal West of Scotland/Clydesdale
Becky Glen Northern Lights
Samantha Haggo Carlton
Lorna Jack Grange
Ailsa Lister Northern Lights/Stoneywood Dyce
Maisie Maceira Carlton
Megan McColl Northern Lights/Strathmore
Niamh Muir Watsonians
Niamh Robertson Jack Grange
Nayma Sheikh West of Scotland/East Kilbride
Ellen Watson West of Scotland