Middlesex all-rounder George Scott finally feels at home in the first team after featuring in all of the county’s Royal London One-Day Cup games so far this season.
Scott made his Seaxes debut back in 2015 but, despite a sprinkling of appearances across all formats since then, had never managed to nail down a regular place in the side.
However, the 23-year-old has occupied the number seven slot throughout Middlesex’s South Group fixtures to date, scoring his maiden senior half-century against Essex as well as contributing six overs with the ball and impressing with his fielding on the boundary.
“At a club like this, where we’ve previously had a big squad and lots of experienced players, it can be very difficult to get a good run in the first team,” Scott said.
“So it has been nice in this competition – it has made me feel incredibly comfortable at this level and I feel very good when I’m out there.
“It doesn’t completely release the pressure but it allows you a bit more freedom – there isn’t that feeling that it’s your last innings or an irrelevant innings while you’re filling the gap for someone else.
“Batting at seven, I may not get the chance to score a hundred, but if I can play a significant innings then that’s fulfilling my role. It’s my batting that gets me into the team first.
“I feel l can fill a role with the ball. Although I haven’t been needed that much I’ll bowl when I’m called upon and it’s my hope to be the all-rounder for Middlesex.”
Scott, who is one of four cricketing brothers – Charlie plays for Durham MCCU while James and Patrick have both represented Hertfordshire – experienced a taste of success in 50-over cricket last season.
He captained the Middlesex team that remained unbeaten as they won the Second XI Trophy, top-scoring with 79 in the final against Somerset.
“It was a really good comp for us and there were a few guys who played a big role in that team, including Robbie White who’s on loan at Essex now,” Scott said.
“I think learning how to win games in the second team is a massive element of learning as a cricketer. So it did quite a lot for me personally and I’ve tried to take that into the first team.
“It feels like we’ve turned a page in white-ball cricket and are finding ways to win games rather than ways to lose them, which has been an issue for us in the past.”
Middlesex’s second string play the majority of their home fixtures at Radlett – which means Scott will be on familiar turf when the Hertfordshire venue stages Wednesday’s One-Day Cup clash against Somerset.
“It’s improved massively as a ground,” Scott added. “The Radlett pitch always produces good games and it’s just reward that they’re getting more first-team matches now, with a County Championship game later in the year as well.
“My whole family are in the Hertfordshire area and I’ve got school friends from around St Albans as well, so it’ll be a local one for them.”
Middlesex
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