HAMISH GARDINER believes the World Cup can open the door to county cricket for Scotland's home-based stars.

The Carlton batsman is one of just six of the 15-man squad who have not yet had a professional contract south of the border.

But the Aussie-born 24-year-old is convinced that could change after Scotland's appearance on the global stage.

Gardiner said: "The World Cup is the best shop window out there. A lot of guys will be trying hard to put their name out there and to impress whoever is watching.

"Most of the squad either have contracts with counties or have trialled down there, and it is certainly something to aspire to.

"But, first and foremost, this World Cup is about putting on a good show for Scotland and hopefully we'll see all the hard work coming to the fore with some good performances.

"We're a team that has learned quickly in the last six months and we are still trying to improve each day."

Gardiner, who qualifies through his Scottish parents, played for Scotland Under-13s during a spell living in Edinburgh, but spent most of his early years in Brisbane.

He has made the No.3 role in the batting line-up his own during the last year and has twice come close to a maiden international century.

"Hopefully the really big score is not too far away and it would be great if it came during the World Cup," he added.

"I've had a great welcome into the set-up and I feel settled in my role. At the moment it's nice to be one of the Scottish-based players because I think it gives encouragement to others to see what is possible."

The Scots arrived in Dunedin last night following the long journey from Sydney and will prepare over the weekend for their Pool A opener against co-hosts New Zealand on Tuesday.