BBC SPORT | Cricket | International Teams | Australia to face Scots and Irish

World champions Australia will play one-day internationals against Scotland and Ireland in 2009 and 2010.

The Australians will face Scotland on 28 August 2009 following the conclusion of the Ashes and the start of the one-day series against England.

They will face Ireland in June 2010 as part of their build-up to a one-day series against England.

The games were agreed after Irish and Scottish cricket bosses approached the ECB and Cricket Australia.

A date and venue for the game in Ireland has yet to be finalised.

The matches will be the first official one-day internationals that Australia will have played against associate nations - outside of ICC tournaments.

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom expressed his delight at the development.

"For both of us to secure such a high-profile team as Australia in consecutive years is a great coup," said Deutrom.

"It is only by testing ourselves against the very best that we will understand how far we need to progress.

"We are also indebted to ECB for their support to both Scotland and Ireland in helping to bring about this excellent agreement for associate cricket."

Roddy Smith, Cricket Scotland CEO, echoed the comments of his Irish counterpart.

"This is fantastic news for both Ireland and Scotland," he said.

"Although Scotland and Ireland are fierce competitors on the field, this is a great example of the two countries working together off the field to both our benefit."