Signing off with a match against India
On Thursday, India test their might against Scotland at Titwood in the south of Glasgow. It’s the biggest game of the summer.
It's also probably going to be my final appearance for Scotland, and the skipper Ryan Watson has asked me to lead the team out, which is a great honour.
Not only is it a sell-out, but the clash is also being televised on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ2 in Scotland, with live coverage on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Scotland radio. If you live south of the border, you can watch the action on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport website.
It’s India’s second visit to Glasgow this summer. Their was a washout – typical of the summer we’re having.
It might be a wonderful chance for cricket fans in Scotland to catch what could be a final glimpse of the little master, - assuming he's not rested.
It won’t be easy for the great man on a typical Scottish wicket that promises plenty of seam movement.
Rahul Dravid, a Scotland player in 2003, may need to offer Sachin some advice. Regardless of how many runs he gets, his appearance alone will be the highlight of many in the 5,000 strong crowd.
Unless I’m called up for the World Twenty20 in South Africa in September - and I wasn't named in -it’s my last one-day game for Scotland and what better way to sign off than to bowl against Dravid, Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman?
I was never going to captain Scotland; I spend too much time in the outfield dreaming about being a world heavyweight champion like my idol .
So to lead my great mates on the field against India is the perfect way to say goodbye.
It was in August 2001 when I made my debut against an England XI at Arundel.
It has been difficult combining full-time work with a cricket career, but somehow I’ve managed it. Now it’s time for a rest, time to concentrate on other interests like popping down to the driving range and belting a few golf balls into oblivion.
Highlights of my Scotland career? There’s too many too mention.
Some of the highlights are off the field, the times spent with team-mates who end up becoming friends for life.
has to be up there, but nothing beats the euphoria of winning.
Beating Lancashire not once, but twice in two visits to Old Trafford is something that most county teams have probably never done.
The game that I will remember most fondly is our win over Ireland in Dublin back in 2005 to qualify for the World Cup. That was a fantastic end to a memorable couple of weeks.
The best batsman I have bowled to is . He’s a class above anyone else.
There have been some batsmen at county level who I hate bowling too. It wasn’t much fun bowling to Vikram Solanki at New Road in June and some of Matt Prior’s cameo knocks against us for Sussex were a joy to watch.
My most respected player is , the Yorkshire legend who plays the game fair and is a true gentleman off the field.
Thursday’s game is my final chapter, a chance to upstage the world’s best in my adopted backyard. What are the odds for a happy ending? Who knows, but I have no doubt there’ll be a few twists and turns along the way.
india will win all ODI....
Complain about this postAfter a succesful world cup adventure, it'll be interesting to see how they fare against this formidable side. Best of luck to the lads!
Complain about this postGood Luck for tomorrows match Paul. I hope Scotland win. Its just a pity that the Scottish cricket team all have their own interests at heart and do not work together as a team. That may work in football, but certainly not cricket.
I hope to see most of the senior players retire and make way for our young cricketers if we want to improve cricket in Scotland. That is the only way forward.
PS if Dougie Brown is supposed to be injured, why is he included in the 20Twenty squad. Now that seems a bit strange to me. Its time he sticks to commentating and leave playing on field to youngsters.
Anyway hope you have a good life (You are probably one of the only few down to earth players in the Scottish team)
Complain about this postCricketers in minnows have a hard time and Paul is one great example of that. Who know what would have happened if the likes of him were born in a regular cricket playing country. Sad to see the disparity.
Complain about this posterr...Laxman is not in Indian ODI team for a long time :-) . Good luck Paul in future. I read your earlier blogs on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in past and it wasn't boring. Lot of times it opened window to mindset of player from non-test playing nation. I always feel there is lot of joy in the way you people play cricket be it Scotland or Ireland. When it comes to top teams the joy is replaced by sheer pressure.
Complain about this postNice to read your articles Paul. Well though i am an Indian, i for personal reasons support Scotland. I had good time when i lived in Scotland, not to mention the ever friendly people living there.
Complain about this postI am sure cricket in the land of Scots will flourish with time to come.
Good luck for tomorrow.
Thanks for all your efforts Paul. You've been one of the stars for the Scottish team and we were so proud of you in the WC in the WI. All the very best for the future and here's hoping the lads give you a victorious send off!
Complain about this postI'm happy the Indian team is played at Scotland. I believe it was the first ODI match hosted by Scotland to completion. The more regular teams play, the better associate members become.
Cricket has shown us over the years how talent will, regardless of their country's status at that time, and go on to earn recognition for their team and country.
Scotland did well batting first.
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