SCOTLAND could play their first international in Bermuda – if the island's top venue gets the thumbs-up from ICC officials.

The Scots' Intercontinental Cup clash with Bermuda is currently set to be staged in Canada in July because none of the island's pitches is deemed suitable for international cricket.

However, the Bermudians reckon their National Sports Centre ground in Hamilton will pass an official inspection.

That would force the Scots into a late change of travel arrangements to fulfil their Intercontinental Cup double header against Bermuda from July 10-13 and Canada in Toronto starting three days later.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith revealed: "The Bermudians are keeping us in the loop about their plans.

"The problem seems to be with the type of soil they have out there which makes it difficult to prepare top class wickets.

"But the ICC requested them to prepare a four-day wicket for tests and they've been playing practise matches on the ground for each of the last three weekends.

"The tests end this weekend and we understand the ICC will make a decision on the venue for our game during the week. I'd say it's looking likely that we'll be told to play in Bermuda.

"Obviously there will be a bit more hassle with travel but I'd imagine there are worse places to go than Bermuda!"

Scotland's chances of reaching the Intercontinental Cup final nose-dived when they lost in Namibia last month.

They now need to beat Bermuda – whose 20-stone bowler Dwayne 'Sluggo' Leverock claimed Kevin Pietersen's wicket in a World Cup warm-up match last year – Canada and Kenya and hope other results go their way to have any chance of finishing in the top two.