EDINBURGH — In a move signaling a new era for the national side, Cricket Scotland has appointed Gloucestershire assistant coach Owen Dawkins as its new men’s head coach. The 39-year-old Englishman, who has built a formidable reputation in the county circuit, will take up the role on a full-time basis ahead of a packed summer schedule, succeeding Shane Burger who stepped down after the 2023 T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier.
The appointment concludes a rigorous global search by the governing body, which was seeking a candidate with a proven track record in player development and a modern, data-informed approach to the game. Dawkins, who served as Gloucestershire’s lead batting coach and second XI head coach, emerged as the standout choice, impressing the selection panel with his vision for elevating Scotland’s talented squad to the next level of international competition.
A Strategic Appointment for a Critical Phase
Dawkins assumes leadership at a pivotal moment for Scottish cricket. The men’s team, currently sitting 13th in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings and 15th in ODIs, is on the cusp of several major opportunities. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 just weeks away and a crucial ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign ongoing, the immediate focus is on performance. However, the broader mandate is clear: to secure consistent qualification for global events and challenge Full Member nations more regularly. "This is a hugely exciting time to be taking on this role," Dawkins stated upon his appointment.
His philosophy appears tailor-made for Scotland’s ambitions. At Gloucestershire, he was instrumental in developing a crop of young batters and implementing aggressive, proactive strategies. He is known for his collaborative style and emphasis on creating a strong, positive team culture—attributes deemed essential for a national team that spends significant time on the road in qualifying tournaments. "My coaching philosophy is centered on creating an environment where players feel empowered to express themselves, play fearless cricket, and continuously develop their skills," he explained.
The Road to the Top Job: Dawkins' Credentials
While this marks Dawkins’ first head coach role at international level, his resume is packed with relevant high-performance experience. A former minor counties player for Buckinghamshire, he transitioned into coaching with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) before joining Gloucestershire in 2020. His impact there was significant, helping the club to the 2023 One-Day Cup final and nurturing talents like James Bracey and Ollie Price. His specific expertise includes:
• Batting Development: A specialist batting coach, he is tasked with strengthening a Scottish lineup that can be explosive but has sometimes lacked consistency.
• Second XI & Pathway Nurturing: His experience overseeing a county’s second team and academy aligns perfectly with Cricket Scotland’s need to bridge the gap between its pathway and the senior side.
• Data & Innovation: Dawkins is recognized as an early adopter of advanced analytics and video technology, using them to provide clear, actionable feedback to players.
Cricket Scotland’s Interim Head of Performance, Toby Bailey, expressed unequivocal confidence in the selection. "Owen stood out throughout a highly competitive recruitment process. His energy, his modern approach to coaching, and his clear ideas on how to improve our players and our team made him the outstanding candidate. We believe he is the right person to build on the progress made in recent years and take the team forward," Bailey said.
Immediate Challenges and the T20 World Cup
Dawkins will have little time to settle before facing his first major test: leading Scotland at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June. Drawn in Group B alongside England, Australia, Namibia, and Oman, the Scots have a history of causing upsets but will need to be at their very best to advance from a tough pool. The new coach’s ability to quickly build relationships with key players like captain Richie Berrington, the dynamic George Munsey, and star spinner Mark Watt will be critical. Preparatory series against the UAE and a tri-series with the Netherlands and Ireland will offer vital preparation time.
The Long-Term Vision: ODI Status and Beyond
Beyond the T20 spectacle, a core component of Dawkins’ tenure will be securing Scotland’s place in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team is currently competing in the 2023-2027 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, a marathon qualifying tournament. The goal is a top-tier finish to progress to the next stage of qualification. This requires sustained excellence in 50-over cricket, an area where Dawkins’ strategic acumen will be thoroughly tested. Furthermore, with the ICC introducing more frequent global events, establishing Scotland as a permanent fixture at world cups is the overarching objective.
The appointment also comes at a time of structural change within Cricket Scotland, which has faced significant governance challenges in recent years. The hope within the organization is that a fresh, dynamic coaching appointment will galvanize the men’s program and act as a catalyst for broader positive momentum. "We are thrilled to welcome Owen to Cricket Scotland," said Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade.
Lindblade added, "His passion for the game and his drive to succeed were evident from our first conversations. He joins us with a clear mandate to push this talented squad to new heights, and we are committed to providing him with the support needed to achieve our shared ambitions on the world stage."
A New Chapter for Scottish Cricket
For Owen Dawkins, the move represents the culmination of years of dedicated coaching craft. For Scottish cricket fans, it brings a wave of optimism. The team possesses undeniable talent—players capable of match-winning performances against the world’s best. The Dawkins era will be defined by his ability to harness that talent into consistent, results-driven performances. His success will not only be measured in wins but in the development of a resilient, adaptable, and fearless Scottish side that can compete with confidence on any stage. As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, all eyes will be on the new coach and his charges, eager to see the first steps of this promising new partnership.