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Scotland have named their 13-man squad for the three match series against Ireland which gets underway on Monday September 8th at Malahide.
Preston Mommsen will lead Scotland in the fixtures after recovering from a broken finger, which ruled the all-rounder out of the recent series with New Zealand A.

Matt Machan, who experienced captaining his country against the Blackcaps A side, is also available and will bolster the top order.

Freddie Coleman, fresh from being part of the Warwickshire squad that claimed the Natwest T20 Blast last week, is available. Scotland and are also boosted by the presence of Calum MacLeod who has enjoyed a successful season for Durham.

Safyaan Sharif has been recalled to Gloucestershire for another two week trial, while Michael Leask has joined Northants for a week, but both are available for the trip against traditional rivals, Ireland.

Ahead of his first clash with Ireland, Scotland coach Grant Bradburn said, “These games pose another big opportunity for these players to enhance their chances of making the plane to the World Cup in 2015.

I’m looking forward to rubbing shoulders with our celtic cousins, and relishing the chance to experience a rivalry, which I’m told, is quite intense. It’ll be another chance for our players to perform in a high pressure environment.”

Ireland will be captained by Kevin O’Brien who has just returned from a spell with Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, and Surrey CCC.

“The focus now for the squad is very much geared towards World Cup preparation, and these three matches against Scotland are an important part of that,” said O’Brien. “There are still places up for grabs and everyone’s working really hard to make sure they’re part of what’s sure to be a fantastic event.

“Scotland are ever improving over the last few years, and have a vibrant young squad mixed in with some experienced players, like Majid Haq and Richie Berrington. Like ourselves, they will be keen to use these games as preparation for the World Cup, but most importantly we both will be looking to win, so I expect these games to be tough and closely contested.

“We’ve got a nice blend of youth and experience in our squad and it’ll be great to meet up with them again for this series. There’s more depth to our cricket now than ever before and a greater competition for places which can only be good for our cricket.”

The matches take place at Malahide on September 8, 10, 12. An adult ticket costs €10, with Senior Citizens costing €8. Entry for under 16’s is free, while there is a three match special offer priced at only €20 – tickets are still available through Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, and by clicking here.

Ireland: Kevin O’Brien (capt), John Anderson, Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell,, John Mooney, Andrew McBrine, Graeme McCarter, Andrew Poynter, Stuart Poynter, Max Sorensen, Stuart Thompson, Andrew White, Craig Young

Scotland: Preston Mommsen (captain), Ali Evans, Calum MacLeod, Freddie Coleman, Hamish Gardiner, Iain Wardlaw, Josh Davey, Majid Haq, Matt Machan, Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, Richie Berrington, Safyaan Sharif

Preston Mommsen captains the Scotland side for the three match series
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