Saltires stars will become guinea pigs for cricket's experimental PINK ball at Lord's on Monday.

Their limited overs clash with MCC is to be the first-ever in the UK using the new prototype in match conditions.

The pink ball is being developed in response to problems with the white ones used for one-day fixtures.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith declared: "The MCC are the ones trialling the new ball and we've been told it's to be used in our game.

"It's nice to be involved at the forefront of new technology."

Meanwhile Saltires coach Pete Steindl, who hopes to hand a Lord's debut to Aussie batsman Ed Cowan, has told his frustrated fringemen their chance will come again.

The youngsters, who were named to face Durham in Tuesday's rained-off friendly, have been replaced by experienced players for the trip to Lord's.

Ryan Watson returns to skipper the side while Aberdeenshire wicketkeeper is involved for the first time since last autumn's Twenty20 World Cup.

Omer Hussain, Gordon Goudie and Sean Weeraratna are omitted but Steindl said: "It was disappointing for everyone that the Durham game was off.

"It was a chance for the young guys to show what they can do and for coaching staff to have a look at a few options.

"The young guys will feature again but Monday's game is all about finding the right blend for our first competitive game of the season." 

The Saltires open their FP Trophy campaign against Lancashire at Citylets Grange on April 27.

Scotland Squad: Ryan Watson (Forfarshire, captain); Richie Berrington, Dewald Nel (Greenock); John Blain (Rotherham); Ed Cowan (Uddingston); Gordon Drummond (Watsonians); Majid Haq (Ferguslie); Neil McCallum (Grange); Glenn Rogers (Stenhousemuir); Qasim Sheikh (Clydesdale); Colin Smith (Aberdeenshire); Fraser Watts (Carlton).