Scotland selectors turn to youth

Scotland's selectors have named a 12-man squad for their opening match in the 2007-08 ICC Intercontinental Cup against UAE at Ayr between June 27 and 30.

The side includes Clydesdale captain Qasim Sheikh, who has yet to make any impression in five one-day and one Intercontinental Cup appearances. Ross Lyons, who was in the World Cup squad but did not play, is also included as is Omer Hussain who failed in his three Friends Provident Trophy matches and whose international debut in an ODi against Bermuda ended with him being reprimanded for dissent.

Simon Smith, who returned to the side for one FPT match this summer after a three-year absence from the team, comes in as the wicketkeeper in place of Colin Smith.

Scotland squad Ryan Watson (capt), John Blain, Majid Haq, Omer Hussain, Paul Hoffmann, Ross Lyons, Qasim Sheikh, Neil McCallum, Simon Smith, Dewald Nel, Fraser Watts, Craig Wright.