The narrowness of Ireland's pyrrhic victory against an Abu Dhabi XI in Wednesday's first one-day game of the season has forced National Coach Phil Simmons into Plan B for their final match in the desert today.

The original intention was to play the probable starting line-up for the first one-day international of the year, against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Tuesday, against Essex in the 40-over practice game in Abu Dhabi but,, with the possible exception of Strabane bowler Phil Eaglestone, none of the fringe players pushed himself into contention for a first-choice starting role and little new was learnt.

So, although no team for today's game was announced last night, Simmons indicated, after a one and a half hour team meeting, that Paul Stirling and Reine Strydom may get another chance at the top of the order.

"The first wicket (Strydom's run-out) was a bad call and the second (Stirling caught behind off an away swinger) was, maybe, a good ball but tomorrow they will have to try and get a few overs under their belts," said the coach.

If they fail then, almost certainly, Eoin Morgan will be asked to open the batting in the ODIs with William Porterfield.

Injuries and the number of players to be used in the game was another reason for delaying team selection.

For example, if Essex, in the middle of a six-team one-day tournament in the country, want to play 12 - with 11 batting - then Simmons has said he will include Dave Langford-Smith who is still struggling with an ankle injury.

"It will give him a chance to bowl and then he can come off and get some ice on the ankle, but the opening bowler, who was only asked to come on the tour three weeks ago, after Boyd Rankin was withdrawn because of injury, remains a major concern with the first ODI only four days away.

Definitely out of today's action would appear to be Alex Cusack who did not field in Wednesday's game because of a groin strain and, a certain starter in the first choice line-up, Simmons is keen to give him an extra day's rest.

The coach also hinted that skipper Trent Johnston would again sit out the match - even though the player is keen to get in some batting practice - but Simmons, rightly, believes that other players need the practice more.

One player who does not is Eoin Morgan. In three innings at the Sheik Zayed Stadium the Middlesex batsman has scored 452 runs for once out and after his undefeated 196 against Abu Dhabi, he admits he can't wait for the business end of the tour to start.

"I'm feeling in good touch at the moment and looking ahead to Bangladesh leg of the tour and hopefully building some more big scores," said the Dubliner.

"I was backing myself to get to 200, it didn't come off but hopefully I'll get another opportunity some time in my career in a one-day game. But I'll take 196."

He also chose the hottest day of the tour so far to compile his 171 balls innings - he was in the middle for all but the first four deliveries of the innings - but Morgan revels in those types of conditions.

"I love hot weather, it's thoroughly enjoyable," he added. "Fitness is not a problem as I have been in the gym twice a day since October, working hard. The fitness levels are quite high, I wasn't too stiff this morning, so it's paying off.

"Hopefully the Essex game will be a good competitive test for the boys and they field a good team because in Bangladesh it will be extremely competitive cricket under their conditions."

Essex, who have their full county panel here - excluding Alastair Cook, of course, have already played their first match in the ARCH tournament, surprisingly struggling to a 10 runs victory against UAE in Sharjah.

Ireland's video analyst Pete Johnston was an observer at the match but he spent yesterday in Dubai so he has still to deliver his full report.

However, with Ravi Bopara, Ryan ten Doeschate and Grant Flower all in the party, it will be a serious test for this Ireland team - and that's just what they want - and need.