Hamilton steps down as Scotland captain

Gavin Hamilton has stepped down as Scotland captain and handed the role to Gordon Drummond, his vice-captain. He announced the decision after the team's seven-wicket defeat against England, at the Grange, on Saturday where he contributed 48.

Hamilton, who earned a solitary Test cap for England against South Africa in 1999, said it was becoming increasingly difficult to balance the leadership and his work outside cricket to the extent he couldn't give his full attention to the role although he wants to continue playing.

"I've stepped down, it's a work commitment thing," he told reporters after the England match. "I'm not available for two or three games, starting next week, so it's probably the best time to let Gordon take over.

"I've come this far so it's probably the right time. I'll still continue as a player but there is far too much going on with work to commit as captain of a national side. I've not really been all there as captain because of work and I have to think of other people.

"It would have been nice to do another year or so but I took it on to do a job and try and get a few guys on the right track and that's as far as things could really go with me."

"We are very grateful to Gavin Hamilton for all his efforts as our captain over the last year," said Iain Kennedy, Scotland's chairman of selectors. "He took over at a difficult time and has been instrumental in the change process we are undertaking in the national squad. He agreed to take on the role whilst we identified a long-term successor.

"Now, as always, he has put the team first by realising that the time is right to pass on the reins. It is great news that he is keen to continue playing for Scotland, and we look forward to him continuing to score heavily for us."

Drummond, a medium-pace bowler, led Scotland earlier this month at the Intercontinental Cup when Hamilton was unavailable due to work commitments. He will lead the side against India A for two one-day games in Glasgow next week before the ICC World Cricket League Division One tournament which takes place in Netherlands during early July.

"Gordon has done a great job whilst deputising for Gavin, and we are delighted he has accepted the invitation to become Scotland captain," added Kennedy. "He is a natural leader, has a good cricketing brain and has led from the front in his games as captain to date.

"It is important that we have stability in leadership as our new team takes shape, and Gordon will give us this in all forms of the game."