With skipper Ryan Watson unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child, the Scottish Saltires head south to play to more Friends Provident Trophy matches, boosted by the loan by Warwickshire of Glasgow-born Navdeep Poonia.

The Glasgow-born batsman has a reputation for big hitting and, according to head coach Peter Steindl, “we’re very pleased to have him made available to us to replace Ryan for these games.” Majid Haq is also not available for selection as he prepares for his final examinations.

The Lloyds TSB Scotland squad will be captained for the first time by Fraser Watts, while former captain Craig Wright returns to the team for this trip to play Derbyshire Phantoms at Derby on Sunday (May 4), followed by an early chance of revenge against Lancashire at Old Trafford on Monday (May 5).

The 13-man squad is: Fraser Watts (Carlton, captain); Richie Berrington, Dewald Nel, Craig Wright (all Greenock); John Blain (Rotherham); Ed Cowan (Uddingston); Gordon Drummond (Watsonians); Gordon Goudie (West of Scotland); Gavin Hamilton (East Brierly); Neil McCallum (Grange); Navdeep Poonia (Warwickshire); Glenn Rogers (Stenhousemuir); Colin Smith (Aberdeenshire, wicket-keeper).

The squad travels on Saturday, but Berrington and Goudie are being allowed to play for their clubs before following the main party.

Fraser Watts is, of course, pleased at his chance to lead the side in the absence of Watson. “I know that captaincy is not the bed of roses which many people mistakenly perceive, and one of my tasks will be to try to re-instil the sense of self-belief which we need to bounce back from the defeat to Lancashire. Hopefully, the team will rally to the cause.”