Scotland have been handed a favourable draw in next year’s newly-formed ECB 40 League following its official launch at Lord’s.

The Saltires joined the 18 first-class counties, the Netherlands and an ECB Recreational XI at the ‘Home of Cricket’ for the announcement and were pre-allocated into group C.

Scotland will face Durham, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire home and away next season after avoiding back-to-back winners of the old Pro40 competition Sussex.

Following a 12-month review undertaken by the ECB the new 40-over tournament – divided into seven teams across three groups – will replace both the Friends Provident Trophy and the NatWest Pro40.

Group winners and the best second-placed team will qualify for the semi-finals before the final at Lord’s on September 18.