Hamilton fears for future

The Scots were muscled out of the tournament by South Africa, who emphasised exactly how to deal with minnow countries. Scotland's failure to qualify for the 2011 World Cup means their exposure to the top teams will be rare in immediate years.

"They will continue to go faster and unless we chug along after them, we are just going to be left further and further behind," said Hamilton. "The gap will get bigger and bigger until things change in the minnow teams. That's the reality."

The margin of Scotland's defeat was the second largest in the short history of Twenty20 internationals and would have been greater but for an enterprising 42, from 32 balls, by Aberdeen-born Kyle Coetzer.

Durham's Coetzer has been impressive in higher company, having cracked a quickfire 33 against New Zealand on Saturday, and has the temperament to move up a level, according to Hamilton.

"He quite clearly wants to play for England," Hamilton emphasised.

"You can't take that away from him, those are the aspirations of every county cricketer and he is still young enough to do it.

"He is an impressive guy. Full Stop. The way he handles himself, how professional he is.

"He just goes about the sport in the right way and I would be astounded if he doesn't go on to bigger things."