ODI preview: Scotland v England

Cricket365
May 8, 2014

England's international season kicks off against Scotland in Aberdeen on Friday, following a six week break in the wake of their World Twenty20 disaster, and all eyes will be on the 'new era' outfit and their coach.

This will be Peter Moores' first game in charge of the side (this time around) and he will need the players to avoid the humiliation they suffered against Holland, which played a large part in Moores getting the job, given is chucked Ashley Giles into the disposal.

England have named a strong squad for the clash, only their third ODI against the Scots and the first at this Mannofield Park venue. Alastair Cook is back from his extended post-Ashes break, while James Anderson is recalled to the side for the first time in years.

Moores has gone for experience with a dash of youth, and young Nottinghamshire fast bowler Harry Gurney could get his first England cap, in the absence of the injured Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes. It's down to Gurney, Chris Woakes of James Tredwell for the final bowling slot.

Scotland will be skippered by Kyle Coetzer, recently named the Northamptonshire captain for their T20 title defence. He was their best batsman, scoring a half ton in the most recent ODI between the sides, in 2010, though England won by seven wickets.

The Scots are without batsman Richie Berrington due to injury, and have given call ups to Alasdair Evans and Josh Davey to bowlers the bowling. Scotland have essentially been without a coach for the past few months, but Grant Bradburn will take the role from July.

This is an important game for England and their fans, with the latter desperate for their side to put on a crushing performance after the Netherlands disaster and somehow quiet the cynics on Twitter and elsewhere.

Key Men The Scots will be look to their skipper, Kyle Coetzer, for inspiration as he has the most experience against the players they're facing. He averages nearly 48 in ODIs and is a local lad, so will know the conditions well.

England fans will be keeping an eye on Chris Jordan, the new all-round favourite, after his excellent performances in the Caribbean earlier this year, and his wonderful start to the County season. His main threat will be with the ball, thanks to his sheer pace.

Only Head-To-Head Results 2008 Only ODI: Match abandoned in Edinburgh 2010 Only ODI: England won by seven wickets in Edinburgh

Squads Scotland: Kyle Coetzer (captain), Freddie Coleman, Matty Cross (wk), Josh Davey, Alasdair Evans, Majid Haq, Michael Leask, Matt Machan, Calum MacLeod, Preston Mommsen, Safyaan Sharif, Rob Taylor, Iain Wardlaw.

England: Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler, Harry Gurney, Chris Jordan, Eoin Morgan, Joe Root, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes.

Fixture Only ODI: 9 May – Mannofield Park, Aberdeen