Scottish side stretched for Afghan clash

SCOTLAND face a selection headache ahead of this week's crucial Intercontinental Cup clash with Afghanistan.

The Scots can clinch their place in the final of the four-day tournament with victory against one of their main rivals. However, they look certain to be without two of their leading batsmen for the contest which starts at Ayr tomorrow.

Opener Preston Mommsen has work commitments while experienced middle order man Neil McCallum is struggling to overcome an Achilles problem.

"It looks like we'll be without two of our first-choice batsmen," coach Pete Steindl admitted. "Preston would have been selected but he has told us he can't get time off work. It doesn't look good for Neil either. He is having a scan today and the information we're being given from the physios is that he won't be ready."

Meanwhile several other players, including pace bowler Gordon Goudie, all-rounder Richie Berrington and spinner Ross Lyons are being monitored for a variety of niggles and Steindl added: "Our resources are a bit stretched but I'm confident we will get a competitive team on the park."

Watsonians batsman Ewan Chalmers will return to the squad while the selectors may also turn to four-day specialist Qasim Sheikh. The Clydesdale left-hander has already scored two centuries in this I-Cup campaign.