Home nations name Commonwealth Games flagbearers

Alex Marshall is competing at his eighth Commonwealth Games and Sarah Adlington her third

>Five-time Commonwealth champion bowler Alex Marshall and two-time judo champion Sarah Adlington will be Scotland's flagbearers at Thursday's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.

>With five golds, one silver and one bronze, Marshall is Scotland's most successful athlete at the Commonwealth Games while Adlington is chasing an unprecedented third judo gold at the Games.

>England's flagbearers will be Sian Honnor, a four-time medalist in bowls, and swimmer Luke Greenbank.

>Boxer Rosie Eccles, who turns 30 on the day of the ceremony, and bowler Daniel Salmon are Wales' flagbearers.

>Northern Ireland's duo will be confirmed on Thursday.

>"It is a huge honour and a great feeling," Marshall told BBC Sport.

>"It is not often I get emotional but I certainly had a tear in my eye this morning."

>Honnor said: "I didn't know I was nominated until I went on to select who I wanted to do it. I think for bowls to be included in the shortlist is amazing and a great platform for the sport.

>"To be chosen, there are no words. I am absolutely honoured to be leading England in that way."

>Eccles said it was a "huge honour" while Salmon was in tears when speaking to the BBC.

>"I still am a little speechless," Eccles said. "I feel so fiercely proud to represent Wales anyway but to carry to the flag and lead some amazing athletes out..."

>Backstroke specialist Greenbank won gold in the men's 4x100m medley relay in Birmingham. Honnor has won medals at each of her previous four Games

>Between them, the flagbearers will carry their nation's flag and their respective King's batons at the ceremony held at Glasgow's Hydro arena.

>For the first time, all 74 nations and territories will have their own baton specially designed to represent their culture.

>England's baton was created by Cornish artist Bonnie Steward, who used plastic waste found on beaches and in cities to depict scenes of England.

>Having first had her other artwork work spotted at a Christmas market, Steward produced the piece over recent months.

>"I'd wake up at 4am and start doing it again," she told the BBC. "It took over my life.

>"It has been completely surreal, this whole experience.

>"Seeing inspiring athletes holding your work, I will never forget this moment."

>England's baton includes a replica of the Ribblehead viaduct made from a hair comb