Tom Bruce’s cricketing journey has taken him from the bright lights of New Zealand’s Super Smash to the international stage, that too, against India, and now, it will lead him to Scotland’s blue jersey. The 34-year-old, who played 17 T20Is for the Black Caps between 2017 and 2020, has switched allegiance to Scotland through his Edinburgh-born father.
Bruce will turn out for his new team later this month when Scotland take on Namibia and Canada in the Canada leg of the Cricket World Cup League 2, starting August 27. It’s not a completely unfamiliar territory. Back in 2016, before he had played for New Zealand, Bruce represented a Scotland Development XI, rubbing shoulders with several players who are now his teammates.
Who is Tom Bruce?
Bruce first caught New Zealand’s attention during the 2015–16 Super Smash, where he smashed 223 runs at a strike rate of 140. His international debut came against Bangladesh in January 2017, and just a match later, he struck an unbeaten 59 to guide New Zealand to victory. Consistency, however, proved elusive as his T20I career ended with 279 runs, including two half-centuries, and a low point came during the 5-0 home defeat to India in 2020, where he bagged two ducks.
But his domestic form has remained stellar. As captain of Central Districts last season, Bruce led them to the Super Smash title, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 339 runs at a blistering 157.67 strike rate. In the Ford Trophy, he piled up 431 runs, and in first-class cricket, he made headlines with a colossal 345 against Auckland, the third-highest score in New Zealand history.
In a Cricket Scotland statement, Bruce said, “There’s a long Scottish history within my family and I know they will be incredibly proud that I am representing Scotland on the world stage. I’ve been fortunate enough to play for New Zealand five years ago, and I want to continue to showcase my skills on the world stage, and help the Scotland team achieve success, as I know the group is capable of achieving success and continuing to grow as a team.”
“I was involved briefly in the set-up back in 2016, and it was an awesome experience. I played alongside and against a lot of the current group of Scotland players, and it’s been great following their development through the years and I’m looking forward to linking up with them again. For me, I want to help the team in any way shape or form to play some consistent quality cricket and ultimately help get us to a World Cup.”
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