Scotland faces the twin challenge of New Zealand and Ireland in the Lloyds TSB Commercial tri-series, the first ICC One-Day Internationals to be played at the Citylets Mannofield ground, in Aberdeen next week.

The last time New Zealand, fourth in the ICC rankings, played in Scotland was during the 1999 World Cup, when captain Daniel Vettori was 12th man (and he came on as a substitute fielder). So, having completed their ODI series with England, the visitors are likely to face unfamiliar conditions in the 50-overs-a-side game north of the Border. New Zealand and Ireland last met in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, when NZ won by 129 runs.

Ireland and Scotland are old and frequent foes, and competition between them is always tense. Currently, however, after their heroic victories in the West Indies, Ireland are ranked 10th in world cricket, while Scotland are three places lower, and the Scots will therefore be keen to use this match in Aberdeen to set the record straight.

The 14-man Lloyds TSB Scotland squad for the two games is:

  • Ryan Watson (Forfarshire, captain)
  • Richie Berrington (Greenock)
  • Dewald Nel (Greenock)
  • Craig Wright (Greenock)
  • John Blain (Rotherham)
  • Gordon Goudie (West of Scotland)
  • Gavin Hamilton (East Brierly)
  • Majid Haq (Ferguslie)
  • Neil McCallum (Grange)
  • Navdeep Poonia (Warwickshire)
  • Glenn Rogers (Stenhousemuir)
  • Qasim Sheikh (Clydesdale)
  • Colin Smith (Aberdeenshire, wicket-keeper)
  • Fraser Watts (Carlton)

Head coach Peter Steindl says: "Scotland has yet to defeat a Test-playing country, and this is therefore another opportunity for us to break new ground against New Zealand. We have several players who are in fine form at the present time, so we hope to spring a surprise or two on both our visiting teams."

Roddy Smith, chief executive of Cricket Scotland, adds: "It will be a real challenge for our squad taking on nations ranked fourth and tenth in the world - and I am sure the Aberdeen public will come out in force to support the team. Following discussions with the Durham coaching team, we have agreed that Kyle Coetzer will remain with the county club to continue his return to form."

The three ODIs in Aberdeen take place from July 1-3, with the following schedule:

  • Tuesday 1 July Ireland v New Zealand
  • Wednesday 2 July Scotland v Ireland
  • Thursday 3 July Scotland v New Zealand

Tickets for these ODIs are available for purchase in advance from the Cricket Scotland office, the Aberdeenshire clubhouse, or on the match days at the entrance to the Mannofield ground. For the Scotland-New Zealand match, the entry price is £25 (concessions £15), and for the other two games £15 (concessions £10).