Cricket World Cup 2015: Preston Mommsen to captain Scotland

Preston Mommsen was named ICC associate and affiliate player of the year for 2014

Batsman Preston Mommsen has been handed the Scotland captaincy for next year's Cricket World Cup.

Northants' Kyle Coetzer, who had that role until their recent tour, will be his vice-captain for Scotland's group matches in New Zealand and Tasmania.

Coach Grant Bradburn, whose side start their campaign against New Zealand on 17 February, praised both players.

"We have a strong squad line-up and excellent leaders in Preston and Kyle," he said.

"We don't underestimate the challenge, but we have been training hard and will be bringing our absolute best to this hugely important global event."

Coetzer, 30, had become Scotland captain in May 2013, but Mommsen took over for their World Cup warm-up matches in New Zealand this autumn.

Making the announcement, Cricket Scotland pointed out that the 27-year-old had an impressive 2014 qualifying tournament in January, scoring 520 runs in eight innings and being named player of the tournament.

His highest score of 139 came against the United Arab Emirates in the final, and his year culminated in the Scot being named as the 2014 ICC associate and affiliate player of the year.

Mommsen, who first captained Scotland in 2010, said: "It's a huge honour to be leading the Scotland team into the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

"This group of players have been together for a couple of years now and this has always been the dream.

"The preparation over the past couple of months has been hugely productive, with the squad fully focused and committed to delivering on the world stage.

"It's an exciting time for everyone involved in Scottish cricket and hopefully our performances in Australia and New Zealand will help promote the game and inspire the next generation in Scotland."

After opening their six-game group campaign against the hosts in Dunedin, a match that is already sold out, the Scots face England in Christchurch on 23 February.