Scottish Saltires finished bottom in both 2003 and 2004

Scotland insist they are not unhappy about being dropped from the Totesport League from season 2006.

Scotland will instead play in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy as part of a revamp of England's domestic one-day competitions.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith said: "It will free us up to arrange other fixtures in the second half of the season.

"When we qualify for the World Cup, we will have plenty of other options."

Smith stressed that the Scots had been fully involved in discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board about the changes.

The C&G Trophy is to become the main one-day tournament in the first half of the season, with two divisions of 10 teams, each playing each other once.

We will be able to play more matches against overseas Test sides Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith

Scotland have been added along with Ireland and will be in the North division, playing nine 50-over games against English county sides each year, to be played in May and June.

The Totesport League, which has included Scotland for the last two seasons, will become a 40-overs-a-side competition for county sides only.

"All the counties have been very supportive about our participation and have expressed their satisfaction with the competitiveness of our cricket - and with the facilities at the Grange," said Smith.

"And, crucially, there is no time limit on our involvement with the C&G."

Smith pointed out that there were other options to keep his players sharp.

"For example, we expect in 2006 to take part in an international tournament involving perhaps half a dozen other countries," he said.

"The Intercontinental Cup [which Scotland won this year] is now an annual competition in our calendar.

"And we will be able to play more matches against overseas Test sides and A teams coming to the UK."