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World Cup trophy on show at Ireland v Scotland at Malahide on Wednesday. Chance for fans to have their photograph taken with the iconic trophy.
Phil Simmons has issued a challenge to the 13 players on Irish duty for next week’s ODI Series against Scotland at Malahide.

The Irish coach has thrown down the gauntlet urging the players to make themselves ‘undroppable’ for next year’s ICC World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“There’s around 20/21 players vying to be named in the final 15 for the World Cup. I want the guys to turn in big performances against Scotland next week and also on our acclimatisation tour later this month. It’s time now for players to make themselves ‘undroppable’ in the eyes of the selectors.

“These three ODI’s against Scotland will give them plenty of opportunities to show their worth to the team. It’s always a competitive environment when we lock horns with Scotland who have been our traditional rivals for a very long time.”

Ireland’s rivalry with Scotland extends back to 1888 when they met for the first time, and in the intervening 126 years they’ve played each other no fewer than 115 times.

Kevin O’Brien skippers the Irish side in the absence of William Porterfield, and is relishing the challenge of pitting his wits against their ‘celtic cousins.’

“The players all know just how important this series is in terms of World Cup preparation, and the fact that it’s Scotland gives it an extra edge,” said O’Brien, who famously holds the record for the quickest World Cup hundred.

“It’ll be a tough series with so much at stake in terms of players making their claims for a World Cup place. We’ve proven ourselves time and time again against our fellow Associates over the past decade, so we’ll be keen to reassert ourselves again.”

As a bonus for fans attending the ODI on the Wednesday, there will be an opportunity to view and have their photograph taken with the iconic ICC World Cup trophy. It’s on a world tour at present, and arrives in Ireland next Monday for three days. On Tuesday the trophy will be on a tour of iconic Dublin locations including the world famous Ha’Penny Bridge, Malahide Castle, Molly Malone and the Dublin Spire.

Tickets for the Scotland series are still available on www.cricketireland.ie and Ticket Master outlets nationwide.

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.

IRELAND V SCOTLAND
(all games at Malahide – start time 10:15am)

Monday September 8
Wednesday September 10
Friday September 12

Ireland Squad
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 Squad
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.

Yes
Connaught