SCOTLAND coach Grant Bradburn last night praised unheralded Hamish Gardiner for forcing his way into Scotland's World Cup plans.
Brisbane-born batsman Gardiner was named on Friday in the 15-man squad after posting his highest score in each of his last two one-day internationals.
The 24-year-old finished last season with 89 in a victory against Ireland and carried on with 96 in the midweek defeat to Afghanistan in Dubai. The Carlton player has become a regular in Scotland's top order, making county stars such as Freddie Coleman and Matt Machan fight for their places. Indeed, Warwickshire's Coleman was unable to force his way into the team in midweek and Gardiner is again a likely starter when the Scots bid to kick-start their ICC Associate Tri-Series campaign against the Irish tomorrow.
Bradburn said: "Hamish Gardiner is a great example of what we are trying to do - and that is to create competition for places. I don't care if a guy has got a county contract or a Cricket Scotland one. I want to see players coming through our system and forcing their way into the international set-up. That is what Hamish has done and one or two others and it is really pleasing. A successful team thrives on competition within.
"Hamish again showed great maturity and ability against Afghanistan and it was just a shame that he didn't go on and reach three figures but that will come."
Meanwhile Bradburn is confident his side can bounce back from their midweek defeat as their World Cup preparations continue.
"We need more game time as we were clearly rusty against Afghanistan and this tournament has come at the perfect time for us. The guys will be ready for a big test against Ireland."
Bradburn is likely to ring the changes with new-ball pair Ali Evans and Iain Wardlaw expected to return to the side along with leading ODI wicket-taker Majid Haq.
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