In a move that has electrified Scottish cricket fans, former England spinner Kirsty Gordon is set to don the blue of Scotland for the first time in nearly a decade. The 28-year-old, who last played for her home nation in 2016, has been named in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup—a selection that adds both experience and a touch of star power to the lineup.

Gordon’s journey is a tale of two cricketing worlds. Born in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, she made 60 appearances for Scotland before a full-time move to the English professional system. There, she became a key figure for England, playing five matches at the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup—where the team finished as runners-up—and even taking the field in a Test match against Australia in 2019. After committing her international future to Scotland last December, a back injury delayed her return, but she’s now fully fit and ready to make an impact.

The squad, captained by the ever-reliable Kathryn Bryce, features three changes from the side that qualified for the World Cup in Nepal earlier this year. Young seam bowlers Gabriella Fontenla and Maisie Maceira earn their spots, joining Gordon in a refreshed lineup. Missing out are Niamh Robertson-Jack, Mollie Parker, and Hannah Rainey—the latter having left the squad in Nepal due to injury.

Scotland’s preparations include a pre-tournament tri-series against the Netherlands and Bangladesh, with Robertson-Jack and Ellen Watson joining a wider squad for those matches. The real test begins on June 13, when Scotland faces Ireland at Old Trafford in their World Cup opener. They’ll then take on cricketing heavyweights England, West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka in Group B—a daunting but thrilling challenge.

For fans, Gordon’s return is a moment to savor. Her top-class spin bowling, honed on the international stage, could be the X-factor Scotland needs to make noise on the global stage. As the team gears up for the tournament, one thing is clear: this is a squad built for more than just participation.