OMAR HENRY
Having become the first non-white to play for South Africa in the post-apartheid era and also the oldest Test debutant, Omar Henry’s place in international cricket history is assured.
Born in the wine-making region of Stellenbosch, it was Henry’s and South Africa’s misfortune that his vintage years coincided with the latter stages of the old regime.
However, their loss was Scotland’s gain.
Arriving in this country in his mid-20s to play club cricket, Henry was to become one of the most influential figures the game here has known.
A pugnacious left-handed batsman and skilful slow left-arm bowler, he went on to represent his adopted country on 62 occasions between 1981 and 1992, marking his debut with a couple of wickets against the touring Australians at Titwood.
A decade later the same venue provided the stage for one of his most remarkable performances, a memorable 102 not out against MCC – from only 66 deliveries! It is safe to assume that Henry would have adapted well to the T20 era.
With a total of 1603 runs at a shade under 30 and 78 wickets, his overall record is impressive though team-mates of the time speak less of his undoubted ability than of his influence on the dressing room.
Henry instilled a professional approach, a wonderfully positive outlook and a belief that cricket matches are there to be won – regardless of the opposition. A born leader and natural motivator, he captained Scotland 14 times.
If Henry left a lasting impression on the national team, the same can also be said of the clubs he represented with distinction – Poloc, Stenhousemuir, Arbroath and West Lothian.
His legacy is even more tangible though. Henry’s son Riyaad, born in Falkirk, has already represented Scotland A and is expected to follow his father into the senior team in due course.
GORDON DRUMMOND
A product of one of Meigle’s most famous cricketing clans – his grandfather, father and brother all played the game with distinction – Gordon Drummond reached heights and graced stages which were perhaps beyond the dreams of this unassuming son of Perthshire.
Drummond arrived relatively late on the international stage having had to wait while a golden age of Scottish seam bowlers remained ahead in the pecking order.
Hard work and perseverance were eventually rewarded when, at the age of 27, he made the first of his 117 cap appearances gained during a seven-year period from 2007.
He quickly became a regular in the side and achieved one of many personal landmarks when appearing at the World T20 in England in 2009.
When Gavin Hamilton stood down as Scotland captain the following year, there were few obvious successors but the selectors had detected leadership qualities in the down-to-earth Drummond who immediately took to the role.
His willing acceptance of a captain’s responsibility was never more apparent than at the nerve-jangling climax to a Clydesdale Bank 40 encounter with Warwickshire here at The Grange in 2011.
The Saltires had gradually lost their grip on a match which had earlier appeared to be heading decisively in their favour and, with one over remaining and two established batsmen, the county needed a plausible 14 runs to complete their recovery.
It was a make-or-break moment for the captain who, demonstrating the Rampant Lionhearted spirit that was his trademark, grabbed the ball and duly won his team the game by four runs.
He skippered Scotland on 68 occasions – only fellow Hall of Famers Craig Wright and George Salmond have done so more often – and attained a win ratio which bears comparison with the best.
A dependable leader, guts, determination and a never-say-die spirit characterised the career of this passionate Scot. Indeed, you could easily feel his sense of pride when, with chest puffed-out, Drummond led his side into battle.
