Moles believes a series of games against county opposition in England will prove more beneficial.

"Our whole focus this year is to finish in the top five in the ICC Trophy in Ireland in order to qualify for the World Cup in 2007," he said

"Namibia in no way resembles the playing conditions we will encounter in Ireland, so we are better off warming up in England."

Scotland now expect Moles, who was formerly in charge of the Kenyan national team, to arrive to take up his new job by the middle of the month, two weeks earlier than expected.

"Andy is using his extensive contacts in the county circuit to arrange training facilities and three or four games in England, which will give a chance for a wider range of the top players to gain experience or find their form," said Cricket Scotland chief Roddy Smith.

The team won the ICC Intercontinental Cup last year.

But they missed out on a chance to play against international cricket's leading sides in the ICC Champions Trophy when they finished second behind the USA on net run rate in the qualifying tournament.