Cricket:
MCC v Scotland
A brilliant bowling performance by Craig Wright, described as his ''best moment in cricket,'' set up a five-wicket win for Scotland against MCC at Lord's yesterday.
The West of Scotland seamer, who had toiled with the other members of the Scottish attack the previous day, grabbed sweet revenge as the sun once again beat down on the headquarters of cricket. For once, it shone on the Scots, who having failed gallantly against the counties in the B&H Cup earlier in the month, looked determined to make amends in style.
Wright's four-wicket haul yesterday morning ensured there would be no hard-luck story this time, while Ian Stanger, making the most of his recall, added the final wicket of ex-Yorkshire opener Adrian Metcalfe to his two of the previous evening.
That left the Scots chasing a target of just 150 for a morale-boosting win at the Mecca of cricket.
However, Wright's day could have been even more memorable had he managed to find the edge of Mark Kenlock's bat. Instead, the rookie batsman refused to budge.
''Five would have been nicer,'' admitted Wright. ''But I just couldn't get their last batsman out.
''Maybe I'm being greedy, but that performance will definitely go down as my best in cricket so far.''
After Pete Steindl had removed Angus Mackay, Wright stepped in with a devastating spell which earned him four for 28 in 10 overs.
Three of his victims had made half-centuries the previous day, but Wright took his revenge as MCC slumped from 85 for four overnight to 149 all out.
He added: ''The first day was maybe one the bowlers would rather forget, and that made today's performance all the sweeter.''
The Scots lost five wickets before completing their win, opener Bryn Lockie producing another solid knock of 36 and Mike Allingham matching that score before gloving Alan Lewis to the keeper with the target just four runs away.
Jubilant Scotland coach Jim Love said: ''a few of the lads have done themselves no harm at all.
''This wasn't our strongest side by any means, but it proves we've got guys who can come in and do a job.''
qNasser Hussain is in line to grab the England one-day batting place he craves after Graham Thorpe ruled himself doubtful for today's Texaco Trophy opener against South Africa.
Thorpe has suffered a recurrence of his long-standing back complaint and, although still able to bat in The Oval nets yesterday, he is unlikely to risk playing if he feels anything less than 100 per cent fit.
England's management are delaying a decision on Thorpe until the morning, but Hussain's call-up to the squad late last night is a deliberate tactical move.
Thorpe's one-day role, from No.4, is to work the ball around productively and with the minimum of fuss following what England hope is a racing start in the first 15 overs. If Thorpe is out then Adam Hollioake's side need another batsman of proven Test class to fulfil that function.
It has rankled with Hussain that, in the past 12 months, he has been excluded from England's one-day plans - with the inference that he is not in the frame for World Cup selection next year.
Hussain said: ''This England one-day side is hard to break back into, and if the pinch-hitting role is adopted at the top of the order it leaves the rest of us effectively aiming for two or three spots.''
''If I get my chance then hopefully I can grab it. The selectors have not yet finalised their squad for the World Cup, and places are still open.''
Thorpe suffered back spasms in the West Indies earlier this year, being forced to retire hurt in the Barbados Test and then having to return home early after experiencing more pain in the first of the five-match one-day series.
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