Aussies to play Ireland, Scotland
12/05/2008 9:22 PM
Australia has announced that it will take on Ireland and Scotland in separate one-day internationals in 2009 and 2010.
The world champion will travel to Scotland at the conclusion of the 2009 Ashes series, which will be hosted by England, to play in a limited overs match on August 28.
In 2010, the Aussies will venture to Ireland in June for a one-dayer just before their scheduled ODI series with England gets under way.
The two matches will be the first that will feature both Australia and an ICC associate side outside of an ICC event.
"Attracting Full Member countries to play in Scotland and Ireland is one of the key objectives of our respective cricketing and commercial strategies, and for both of us to secure such a high-profile team as Australia in consecutive years is a great coup," Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said.
"It is only by testing ourselves against the very best that we will understand how far we need to progress. We are also indebted to ECB for their support to both Scotland and Ireland in helping to bring about this excellent agreement for Associate Cricket."
Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith was equally enthusiastic about the historic news.
"To attract the Australians to our countries is a major achievement for us both and we are very grateful to the ECB and CA for their support," Smith said.
"Although Scotland and Ireland are fierce competitors on the field, this is a great example of the two countries working together off the field to both our benefit."