Australia to play one-off ODIs in Scotland and Ireland

	After their first ever official ODI against Australia in the 2007 World Cup, Ireland will play host in 2010 © AFP

Cricket Australia has agreed to one-off ODIs against Scotland and Ireland, in 2009 and 2010 respectively, after a joint approach from the two countries. It will be the first time that Australia will play ODIs against Associate Member countries outside of the World Cup.

Scotland will host Australia on August 28, 2009, immediately following the Ashes Tests, after which the tourists will fly back to England for a one-day series. In June 2010, Australia will play a one-dayer in Ireland ahead of a limited-overs series against England.

"Cricket Ireland and Cricket Scotland have worked closely together to achieve this outcome and are obviously delighted that both national sides will have an opportunity to play the visiting Australians," a media release issued by Cricket Australia on behalf of the two boards said. "Both matches are sure to be the highlight of the respective seasons for the teams and will further support the countries' aspirations to compete frequently against the world's elite."

Warren Deutrom, the chief executive of the Irish board, said: "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.

"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."

Roddy Smith, Cricket Scotland's CEO, praised the cooperation between the two boards. "Although Scotland and Ireland are fierce competitors on the field," Smith said, "this is a great example of the two countries working together off the field to both our benefit."

The ICC high performance manager Richard Done said: "One of the ways for the best Associates to close the gap at the top is to play meaningful matches against the likes of Australia. Apart from giving the Scottish and Irish players the chance to perform against some of the best cricketers in the world, it will also help to raise the profile of cricket in those countries."

Australia have played Ireland just once before, winning by nine wickets in the 2007 World Cup. They have also won their two ODIs against Scotland, the last of which was also in 2007.