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Calum MacLeod goes from Kent Premier League to 140 not out against England

Kent League cricketer Calum MacLeod says his match-winning innings of 140 not out for Scotland against England on Sunday will live long in the memory.

MacLeod, 29, has been a player/coach with Bexley Cricket Club in the Premier Division this season.

His innings, from 94 balls, helped Scotland to a historic six-run win against the best ranked One-Day International side in the world.

MacLeod went from playing a pivotal role in Bexley’s 40-run win against Lordswood, scoring 78, earlier this month to displaying his skills on the biggest stage in world cricket.

Calum MacLeod celebrates his century during the One Day International against England. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.
Calum MacLeod celebrates his century during the One Day International against England. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire.

He said: “It was an unbelievable game. It’s obviously slightly different game plans and different challenges but both are equally satisfying. Sunday’s win will live in the memory forever now.

“Even in that Saturday game for Bexley when we were in trouble we were able to set a total. The coach side of me batting with some of the younger guys was pleased with that.”

MacLeod, who lives in Rainham, has had spells with Warwickshire and Durham earlier in his career before moving to Kent and working with Bexley, where his compatriot Matt Cross also plays.

This season he has also played two games for the Kent 2nds team, making 86 not out against Hampshire 2nds.

MacLeod said: “It has been really enjoyable at Bexley. It’s a really well run club and it has made my life easier. I’ve just had to come in and had the chance to add to it.

“They had a really good win at the weekend, both myself and Matt Cross are at Bexley so missing the pair of us they put in a great performance to win.

“The reaction has been great and it’s exciting to see the support and passion there is for cricket. Too often people pass it off as not being a big sport up in Scotland but if you look at the way it has been covered and the reaction is a great sign.”

MacLeod, who has played 57 ODIs for Scotland, has also signed with Derbyshire for the T20 Blast tournament, which starts in July, where he will join Scotland team-mate Safyaan Sharif.

This deal, that was announced on Monday, was already in the works before his spectacular innings against England but he believes the Scotland squad is as strong as ever and other counties should look towards his team-mates.

He added: “The fact the World Cup has been reduced to 10 teams means these are opportunities we don’t get often now.

“It’s up to us when we do get the opportunities as a Scotland squad to go out there and play the game that is equal to, if not better, than who we come up against. It’s a great place to show how good we can be.

“There’s opportunities for guys up in Scotland to come down and play for counties and people will see there’s a squad of 15 guys who can win games.

“I’ve signed for Derbyshire so it should be an exciting tournament to get back involved. Safyaan Sharif is there at the moment as well so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.

“It’s a funny old game and if the opportunities are there in the future with Derby, Kent or whoever, I would have the conversation.”

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