Wright Hammering Sickens Skipper

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Wright - disappointed.

By David Clough, PA Sport, Basseterre

"Embarrassed" Scotland captain Craig Wright issued an apology to the supporters who travelled to the Caribbean only to see their cricketers disappoint at every turn in the World Cup.

Wright's team followed expected heavy defeats against the world's top two one-day international teams with a third loss of similar proportions, against opponents they were favourites to beat.

Their last Group A fixture against Holland was billed as the sides' 'World Cup final' - but Scotland never got started and were bowled out for 136.

They then managed to take only two wickets as Holland knocked off the runs with almost 27 overs of their innings to spare.

Wright did not seek to hide his disappointment.

"I am slightly embarrassed, I have to confess," he said, before turning his attention to the estimated 1,000 long-suffering but eternally cheerful Scotland fans who had flown 3,000 miles to watch their team.

"If I was a rich man I'd be going round the ground right now handing back part or all of their entrance fee - because they've deserved far more than we've been able to give them over the course of this 10 days," he said.

"We set out to come here and show we are a decent cricket team - which we are - but we have not done it."

Wright did not deflect any blame for Scotland's poor showing with the bat onto a pitch which had enough juice in it to vindicate Jeroen Smits' decision to bowl first - and to help Billy Stelling take three for 12 with the new ball.

He said: "I don't think the wicket had too much to do with any of those dismissals."

"There were a lot of soft ones - most of us just got out. "I don't think we made Holland work hard enough for their wickets."

Wright cannot believe either that his players were guilty in any way of relaxing against easier opposition, after their thankless tasks against Australia and South Africa.

"Every game we play for Scotland - every time we don the Saltire and put on the Thistle - I hope it means as much, whether we are playing Australia, South Africa, or Holland," he said.

"This game is no less important - and in fact, it is more important."

Wright was expecting to be pitting his wits against low-standing Holland captain Luuk van Troost today but instead the Dutch were led by Smits.

It was thought at first that 37-year-old Van Troost, set to retire now this campaign is over for his country, had made a grand gesture and decided to drop himself on account of his moderate form with ball and bat.

But he made it clear afterwards that was far from the case.

"It was the selectors' decision. It is part of the game - part of sport, " he said.

"I was not happy with it - but it has gone now.

"It's not the way I hoped to finish. It is disappointing, but I have to move on.

"I am just happy that we got the win."