Cricket Scotland has announced two squads for a series of trial matches ahead of selection for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates in October.
The series, held at The Grange in Edinburgh, features three T20 matches, which will take place on Friday 6, Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 September at 2pm. Entry will be free.
These contests are being staged immediately before a T20i tri-series in Dublin between Scotland, Ireland and Netherlands from September 15 to 20.
There is plenty of north-east interest in the squads, with the inclusion of such players as Kyle Coetzer, Matt Cross, Michael Leask and Adrian Neill.
The selectors have also given a return to in-form Grange opener Oliver Hairs, who has produced some blistering batting performances throughout the summer.
The team’s head coach, Shane Burger, said: “Credit to Cricket Scotland and all concerned for reacting so proactively after the postponement of the Euro T20 Slam to put together a trial series and T20i tri-series in such a short period of time.
“These fixtures will provide an opportunity for the players concerned to put their hands up for ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier selection and provide a platform for more players, staff and stakeholders to get involved and feel part of the big stage.
“There is no greater preparation for a player than to play matches and be put under pressure in the process in order to achieve high performance.
“These matches will be of a high standard and we look forward to seeing as much support as possible during all the fixtures.
“It is an exciting time for cricket and Scotland will be looking to fly the flag with pride!”
In the aftermath of the trial series, a 15-strong squad will be selected to head to Dublin for the T20i tri-series.
Final preparations will take place during a week-long camp in Durban and a week of training and matches in UAE before pool matches begin on 18 October.
TEAMS FOR TRIAL SERIES
Team A: Richie Berrington, Tom Bradburn, Scott Cameron, Matthew Cross, Alasdair Evans, Callum Garden, Chris Greaves, Michael Jones, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Tom Sole, Hamza Tahir.
Coaches: Steve Gilmour, Toby Bailey.
Team B: Dylan Budge, Kyle Coetzer, Oliver Hairs, Jack Hogarth, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, Gavin Main, Finlay McCreath, Adrian Neill, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt.
Coaches: Andy Tennant, Grant Morgan.
