Scotland star Craig Wright is a major doubt for next week's one-day internationals against New Zealand and Ireland.

The former Saltires skipper was last night ruled out of Greenock's SNCL clash with Ferguslie this afternoon after sustaining a freak back injury.

But the 34 year-old all-rounder, Scotland's most capped player, is almost certain to miss the two most important fixtures so far of the international season.

Wright, also the country's record wicket taker, has a history of back problems and coach Pete Steindl declared: "It's not looking good for Craig.

"He apparently went to pick up a box and aggravated a back problem he had earlier in the season.

"As things stand we're waiting for the physio to have a look to find out the extent of the injury but Craig must be rated a serious doubt."

And Greenock coach Tony Judd, who will assist Steindl during next week's Tri-Series, added: "Craig has been in scintillating form in the last few weeks so it's a big loss to the team."

Gordon Drummond, the Watsonians all-rounder, has been placed on standby and looks likely to be called into the squad on Monday.

Steindl said: "Craig is a great competitor and his record is outstanding so it will be a major blow to lose him.

"But his absence will create an opportunity for someone else and Gordon has already demonstrated that he has the ability and the temperament to handle big occasions."
  
The Scots face Ireland one Wednesday and then take on the Kiwis twenty-four hours later at Mannofield, Aberdeen.

Victory over Daniel Vettori's side would secure a place on the official ICC ODI rankings.