Mommsen rues lack of match opportunities

Scotland captain Preston Mommsen has again implored the game's organisers to ensure Associate sides get more fixtures, saying the lack of game time is hampering their development into better sides.
Scotland lost to Zimbabwe in the World Twenty20 qualifiers on Thursday, and afterwards Mommsen said that despite their desire, Scotland were never going to get better if they only got one or two international matches a year.
Mommsen said: "In general, it's tough to attribute our lack of getting over the line. I do go on about it, but there is a lack of international cricket for us.
"Since the 2015 World Cup I have played in one ODI match – in 12 months.
"So, you tell me how I'm going to improve my skills and develop as a cricketer. That definitely has something to do with it.
"Playing under pressure, being exposed to a higher level of skill, exposed to different conditions, you know it all adds up, every little percentage.
"You know unfortunately that's just the way it is and we try and handle it in the best way we can. However, it probably does take its toll."
The skipper went on to say that tournaments like this, where Scotland have to play yet another qualifying round to even stand a chance to play the bigger sides, were immensely stressful, and that every game they played had big stakes.
He added: "I'm not sure people realise the pressure associated with playing as an Associate.
"Every time you take the field, no matter what version of cricket – T20s, 50 overs, four-day cricket – you're playing for something, you're playing for a place, you're playing for money, you're playing for funding, you're playing for opportunity.
"We don't have just bilateral one-day series where we can go and experience different conditions, different elements and play different teams. That's not part of Associate cricket.
"Associate cricket is about winning at all costs, and unfortunately that's just the nature of the beast, and it is a beast."
Latest
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
News
Nine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
News
Labuschagne upset after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
News
Joe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root century strengthens England’s grip on first Test against Sri Lanka
Dan Lawrence hits 73 on debut as England reach 320 for four at tea, a lead of 185.
-
News
England captain Joe Root celebrates a century against Sri Lanka
Root brought up his 18th Test ton after being stranded on 99 at lunch in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root 99 not out at lunch as England look to build big advantage
Root and Test debutant Dan Lawrence have steered the tourists to a lead of 71 with seven wickets intact.
-
News
Heather Knight excited by freedom on offer after New Zealand quarantine
England Women will be able to break out of the coronavirus ‘bubble’ lifestyle in a country which has effectively contained the disease.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England day one: Tourists carve out dominant performance in Galle
The tourists skittled Sri Lanka for 135 then replied with 127 for two.
-
News
Stuart Broad and England in ‘dream world’ after superb first day in Sri Lanka
Broad took three wickets and Dom Bess five before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow took England within eight runs of their hosts’ total.