Scots hopeful for Dravid return

Scotland's captain Craig Wright is hopeful that Rahul Dravid will be returning to Edinburgh next year, after his influence helped the team to exceed expectations in their maiden season in the National League.

"Playing with someone of the calibre of Dravid can only be good for the team. He was a very focused individual," said Wright. "He has said he is keen to play for us next season. If his schedule with India can be worked around and we can get the finance in place then hopefully we will see him next season."

Wright added that Scotland could be proud of their efforts this season. Although they ultimately finished bottom of the second division, they did manage four wins in 18 matches, three of which came in the early part of the season. The County Champions Sussex, and the runners-up Lancashire, were among their victims.

"Our game in Scotland is in a healthier state than it was before the start of the season," said Wright, who conceded that the early successes put undue pressure on the team. "We were under no illusions. We knew it would be hard work, but we were never bowled out for embarrassing low scores and we kept our discipline."

Wright is a development officer with the Scottish Cricket Union, but his fellow players are part-time cricketers who do not get paid for representing Scotland. They have to take leave to play in matches, and Wright conceded that a core of professional cricketers would be essential if Scottish cricket was to progress any further.

"Not being able to train is very difficult at the moment," said Wright. "But if we could secure funding to get some players on contracts that would be a huge step forward." Gavin Hamilton and John Blain, who represented Scotland at the 1999 World Cup but have recently been released by Yorkshire and Northamptonshire respectively, might be recruited to the side for the 2004 season.

It promises to be a busy season for Scotland. As well as the National League and C&G Trophy, they will be flying to Dubai in February, to take part in an ICC competition against the best five associate members.