Drummond steps up from vice-captain to skipper the Saltires

Scotland's new cricket captain Gordon Drummond has revealed he feels "honoured" to have been given the job of leading the national side.

Previous skipper Gavin Hamilton stepped down following last Saturday's one-day international defeat by England because of work commitments.

And Drummond, who is elevated from his vice-captain role, is determined to shine for the Saltires.

"It's a fantastic honour to captain my country," he told BBC Scotland.

Drummond added: "I've been the four-day captain for the last year, so that's given me the experience and the confidence to take it on full-time."

Hamilton, who took part in the the 1999 and 2007 World Cups for the Saltires, succeeded Ryan Watson in May 2009.

But he has handed the reins to Drummond after admitting work commitments made it impossible to continue in the role, though he will continue to play for his country.

I've been the four-day captain for the last year, so that's given me the experience and the confidence to take it on full-time Gordon Drummond

"We are very grateful to Gavin Hamilton for all his efforts as our captain over the last year," said chairman of selectors Iain Kennedy.

"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."

Kennedy expressed confidence that Scotland's new captain would drive the national side forward.

"He is a natural leader, has a good cricketing brain and has led from the front in his games as captain," he said.

"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."

The Carlton all-rounder will take formal charge for the first time in this week's two games against the touring India A side at Titwood on Wednesday and Friday.

And he allayed concerns that he may encounter similar problems to Hamilton in juggling his working and cricketing commitments.

"I think it's just about being organised; I've got a very understanding boss. As long as I'm organised I think I'll be able to do it."

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