In an ODI, MacLeod struck 140 runs without conceding a wicket in just 94 deliveries, shocking England.
After probably the greatest innings in his nation's cricket history, six years later, Calum MacLeod hopes Scotland can follow his example and destroy England.
In June 2018, Eoin Morgan's England seemed ready to become the 50-over world champions, but an unanticipated setback occurred when they lost a one-off match in Edinburgh against their neighbours, causing them to lose badly.
MacLeod stole the show, scoring a scorching 140 runs without conceding a wicket in just 94 deliveries, laying the groundwork for an incredible six-run triumph on a warm night at The Grange.
After 35 years and 18 months in retirement, MacLeod expects to see another historic moment for his country. His exploits will serve as all the motivation Scotland needs as they get ready for their T20 World Cup Group B start against their fellow Britons on Tuesday.
“Any time Scotland plays England is special, and it’s a particularly special memory for me,” he told the PA news agency.
“It was a magic moment in Scotland’s history and I was honoured to have been part of it. I’m absolutely desperate to see another now. All the boys in the team know about the possibility of beating England, it’s not just an idea. They were number one in the world and we managed to beat them. Some of the lads played in that game and the younger ones have seen it. They’ll all want to have their day and we definitely have matchwinners in there, people who are capable of changing games. I just hope somebody else can do what I did and have that big moment. Where better than a World Cup?”
If they win, they'll have a little piece of sports history. Although MacLeod is currently a PE teacher in Kent, it is unlikely that he will quickly forget his past.
“I’m not long retired but in 10-15 years, even more, I can show my two kids and say ‘Dad used to be OK at this’. It’s something I’ll always have,” he said. “Quite a few of my students know about it. The year sevens always seem to figure it out and I pretend to be annoyed about it! Mostly, I’m worried about them finding old videos of me giving very bad interviews. But we’ll be watching this week and hoping for a win. If I happen to be in the middle of a lesson then they can watch it too.”
When it comes to mastering the underdog victory, MacLeod, who overcame an attack that included players like Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, and Moeen Ali—all of whom are still in the England team—offers one very important piece of advice. Plan for your team to perform at its best rather than hope the other team has a poor day.
“England are a world-class team, there’s every chance you can lose to them, so don’t let that worry you,” he said. “One of our big things was about not wanting them to do badly against us. We wanted them to turn up, do well, and beat them anyway. We had grand aspirations of what we could achieve. You’ve got to expect them to play good cricket so it’s more about you and if your best is good enough. That’s what it’s all about.”