Scottish Saltires must confront an experimental pink ball when they tackle the MCC in a 50-over match at Lord's on Monday.

The Scots, though, will surely be more concerned with the colour of the sky over St John's Wood as they seek competitive action before starting their Friends Provident Trophy campaign at home to Lancashire next Sunday.

Already at this early stage of the season, Ryan Watson's men are playing catch-up with their English county counterparts - who are involved in both four-day and one-day fixtures - before embarking on their FPT crusade.

A previous warm-up match against Durham was abandoned without a ball having been bowled and the Scottish batting contingent won't care whether their opponents fire down black, white or pink balls so long as they manage some time in the middle.

Saltires are deprived of the services of experienced duo Craig Wright and Gavin Hamilton, both of whom have work commitments, but their batting will be bolstered by the inclusion of the Australian professional, Ed Cowan.

There are also places in the 12-man squad for youngsters Richie Berrington and Qasim Sheikh, while the bowling options are covered by in-form John Blain, the captain, Ryan Watson, Dewald Nel and Gordon Drummond, and spin duo Majid Haq and Glenn Rogers.

Much will depend on Blain and Nel to make early inroads and the selectors might have been better to persist with one of Gordon Goudie or Sean Weeraratna.

It is is principally the batsmen who must rise to the occasion, however. "It will certainly be strange playing with a pink ball, but this will be a great opportunity at the home of cricket to get ourselves going for the new season," said the Scotland coach, Peter Steindl. "Lord's is always an amazing place to play and the team are looking forward to it immediately."