Former KZN Dolphins batsman Doug Watson has been appointed Scotland’s interim head coach.

Watson, who’s currently head coach of male performance with the Auckland Aces, will start work with Cricket Scotland on 8 April and is contracted until 31 July.

During this period, Scotland will compete in the 2023 World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe and in the 2024 World T20 Europe Qualifiers, which are being held this July in Edinburgh.

“Firstly, I’m really thankful to everyone at Auckland Cricket for allowing me to pursue this opportunity with Cricket Scotland,” said Watson. “It’s a wonderful chance for me to coach another country, and Scotland have been doing really well over the last four years.

“I’m looking forward to carrying on and develop the great work that Shane Burger has put in here. I know Shane well, he’s worked really hard to help get Scotland to where they are, and it was great to see them lift the CWCL2 trophy last week in Nepal.

“I know it’s obviously a short period of time that I’ll be in charge, but there’s two massive tournaments coming up which will be tough for us, especially the Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in June. But it’s also an exciting time as well – I’m looking forward to it and it’s going to be fun.”