Iain Wardlaw - Scotland - Bowler

Iain Wardlaw stumbled onto the international cricketing scene by pure chance. He used to be accountant for a graphic design company, when he was presented with an unique opportunity by Yorkshire. His eye-catching performance in the Bradford League, playing for Cleckheaton C.C. caught attention of Yorkshire captain, Andrew Gale. Soon after, he made his T20 debut against Nottinghamshire in July 2011. He signed his first contract in the same year at the age of 26.

Wardlaw's First-Class debut came in the same month in the Roses match but he had to make way for Tim Bresnan, who was released by England to play for the club. Although, he did not get to play much after that, he impressed everyone in the 2012 Champions League T20 by dismissing MS Dhoni. He received an invitation from the Scotland squad to train with them and was immediately awarded his ODI debut in March 2013 against Afghanistan.

Wardlaw continued his excellent form in the World Cup Qualifiers as well. He was Scotland's leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps at an average of 23.37. He played an instrumental role in Scotland's win in the tournament. Despite his consistency, Yorkshire released him before the 2014 season began. Briefly, Wardlaw considered pursuing another career but changed his mind once he was drafted into Scotland's 15-man squad for the World Cup.

by Sonali Dhulap