Scotland ‘targeting series win’ over Australia, says all-rounder Michael Leask

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh will lead a somewhat new look Australia side – still able to call upon the likes of Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood but not Matthew Wade or the retired David Warner.

The Western Australia all-rounder says his side are taking nothing for granted despite being firm favourites, and called for the likes of Scotland to “get more opportunities” in the years to come.

“Scotland were well drilled [at the World Cup], certainly up for the challenge and it was a great game of cricket,” Marsh said. “I’m sure there will be more of that over the next few days.

“It’s spoken about it a lot but Scotland are a good cricket team and they have improved a lot.

“The more cricket that teams like Scotland can play against the bigger nations, the better it is for the world game. It’s our responsibility as players to keep growing the game, so I certainly hope they get more opportunities over the next period of time.”

Marsh is embracing the slightly different surroundings for this series, with capacity crowds of around 3,000 expected in the Scottish capital, a far cry from the colossal Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“Edinburgh’s got a beautiful vibe to it, people are fantastic, very welcoming and you get a sense that all the cricket fans here are excited for the series,” he said. “It’s going to be a great few days.

“It’s certainly a very scenic ground. A beautiful city to play cricket in and we’re very excited.”