Ireland to play South Africa and Australia in ODIs in 2016

Australia beat Ireland when the sides met at Stormont in August

Ireland have announced one-day internationals against South Africa and Australia next year.

Both games will be played at Benoni in South Africa, with the Irish facing the hosts on 25 September followed by the game against Australia two days later.

"It's fantastic news for Irish cricket - these are exactly the type of matches we need to take the game to the next level," said coach John Bracewell.

"The Ireland players will all relish the challenge."

Bracewell added: "There are fewer tougher challenges than playing South Africa in their home conditions plus the number one ranked side in Australia.

"Allied with the home fixtures already confirmed against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we are seeing a much needed increase in the volume of top class cricket that we need."

Australia beat Ireland by 23 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method in their last ODI meeting at a rain-hit Stormont in August.

The Irish were also beaten by the Proteas this year, losing by 201 runs in a World Cup game in Canberra.