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Ruaidhri Smith named in Scotland squad for Afghanistan ODIs

Ruaidhri Smith, the uncapped allrounder, has been named in Scotland's 13-man squad to face Afghanistan in two One-Day Internationals

Ruaidhri Smith first appeared for Scotland as an 18-year-old in the 2013 Yorkshire Bank 40 tournament  •  Getty Images

Ruaidhri Smith first appeared for Scotland as an 18-year-old in the 2013 Yorkshire Bank 40 tournament  •  Getty Images

Ruaidhri Smith, a 21-year-old uncapped allrounder, has been named in Scotland's 13-man squad to face Afghanistan in Edinburgh, in a two-match ODI series in early July. Wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Wallace and right-arm pacer Brad Wheal earned recalls to the Scotland side.
Smith, who first appeared for Scotland as an 18-year-old in the 2013 Yorkshire Bank 40 tournament, has played 14 first-class matches, picking up 28 wickets and scoring 260 runs at an average of 20. He has also played nine List A matches and four T20s. Wallace played his only ODI for Scotland against Canada in July, 2012. While he didn't get to bat, he was busy behind the stumps, with a catch and a stumping, as well as assisting in three run outs. Wallace has also played eight T20Is and last turned out in Scotland colours in June last year, against Ireland. Wheal made his ODI debut against Honk Kong in Mong Kok and took 1 for 44 in 8.1 overs. He debuted in the shortest format four days later against the same opposition and took 3 for 20 in four overs in just his second game to help his team defend 161.
The trio apart, Scotland's squad has a number of experienced players, with the 10 remaining squad members all having played in the World T20 in March-April in India. Preston Mommsen will lead the side, with Kyle Coetzer serving as his deputy. Scotland will, however, miss the services of some players with county commitments, but head coach Grant Bradburn was upbeat about the squad of players in his charge.
"After a lean period of national fixtures, the squad are looking forward to coming together for the first time since the ICC World T20," Bradburn said. "Despite some local and county players being unavailable for consideration for this series, we have brought together a very strong, exciting side on the back of impressive individual performances in domestic, regional and county cricket."
Scotland and Afghanistan face off in the first ODI on July 4, with the second and final game taking place two days later, on July 6. Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh.