Left-hander Amjad Ali gets the UAE under way with a single to bring his right-handed partner on strike.

Andri Berenger is also known by his middle name Raffaelo, which is the name on the back of his shirt. Born in Colombo, he played for Sri Lanka at Under-19 level before switching allegiance - and he's off the mark with a well-timed cut for two.

To repeat: this is the first ever meeting between Ireland and the UAE in a full ODI (as those previous 13 games Alan Lewis mentioned were not ODIs). TMS statistician Andrew Samson tells us it's the 156th head-to-head contest in ODIs - don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to name the other 155...

Right-arm seamer John Mooney, bearded, heavily tattooed and with a bright green headband on, will take the first over for Ireland.

Alan Lewis
Ex-Ireland captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a fantastic opening game. The whole build-up was to that game against the West Indies and they fully expected to beat them.

"Ireland have played the UAE on 13 occasions and beaten them on 13 occasions. Hopefully today will be 14."

The Gabba may not be as packed as it would be for the first morning of an Ashes series, but there are little pockets of Ireland fans around the ground - including the obligatory chap in full leprechaun outfit. Their heroes take the field, followed by the UAE openers, clad in black with red trim.

Image source, BBC Sport

Statistics correct as of 13 February, 2015.

Now it's Ireland's anthem - the players, resplendent in their very bright green shirts (which would find favour with the Green Cross Code Man amongst others) and dark blue trousers, link arms.

Image source, BBC Sport

Statistics correct as of 13 February, 2015.

Anthem time. The UAE up first, sounds like it's being played by a full marching band.

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"This is a game the UAE would rather win over all the others.

"Ireland being the top Associate nation, the other teams don't like them very much; they're not very popular. So for the UAE, this is a massive game."

Teams walking out. Anyone know what the ICC's new "walk-out" music is? I have to say I miss the Vangelis "1492: Conquest of Paradise" music that used to be played on such occasions.

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

On Andy McBrine's omission in favour of Alex Cusack: "It does seem a surprise because McBrine was exceptional in Nelson.

"Historically the Gabba doesn't favour off-spin. Maybe Cusack gives them more options."

On Ireland captain William Porterfield's decision to field first: "There might be a bit of swing early on but the Gabba wicket is a belter and it's not going to change under lights. I think Ireland have done the right thing."

John Kenny
BBC Test Match Special

"Alex Cusack was born here in Brisbane, and lived here until he was 22. That must have been in coach Phil Simmons's mind to bring him in today."

Listen to ball-by-ball TMS commentary by clicking on the 'Live Coverage' tab.

UAE vice-captain Khurram Khan was in no doubt when asked where his team needed to improve following their four-wicket defeat by Zimbabwe in the opening game.

"Definitely the fielding," he said. "We missed three run-out chances. Every run matters in these kind of games because it's a high scoring tournament so far and the grounds are very fast."

UAE scored 285-7 against Zimbabwe, the highest total in their history, but could not prevent them chasing down the target with two overs to spare.

Steven Ross:, external Time to give the old body clock a kicking! Good job Wednesdays are days off Uni! C'mon Ireland! #BackingGreen

With the debate raging over the ICC's decision to reduce the next World Cup to 10 teams, how do you think Associate cricket can make its case for a fairer slice of the action? And should today be a walk in the Brisbane park for Ireland - or can the UAE cause an upset?

You can email tms@bbc.co.uk (with "For Mark Mitchener" in the subject line), text 81111 if you're in the UK, tweet us via #bbccricket, external or get involved via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

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Ahead of the meeting with a fellow Associate nation, Ireland captain William Porterfield has criticised the International Cricket Council's plan to reduce the number of teams for the 2019 World Cup.

"It wouldn't be a World Cup if you just keep reducing teams down to the top few teams that are ranked," Porterfield said.

"Cricket is the only sport in the world that does that when it comes to world events. The way the four qualifying teams have performed has been great and we've got to keep that going."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Test Match Special

It's time for Test Match Special - with Kevin Howells leading today's commentary team, and Graeme Swann among the summarisers.

You can listen on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra - click the audio icon at the top of the page, or use the "Live Coverage" tab - or via the BBC Sport app or BBC iPlayer Radio app.

Ireland: William Porterfield (capt), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O'Brien, Andrew Balbirnie, Gary Wilson (wk), Kevin O'Brien, John Mooney, Alex Cusack, Max Sorensen, George Dockrell.

UAE: Amjad Ali, Andri Berenger, Krishna Chandran, Khurram Khan, Swapnil Patil (wk), Shaiman Anwar, Rohan Mustafa, Amjad Javed, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Tauqir (capt), Manjula Guruge.