The final week of the cricket summer is a natural time for retrospection.
Looking at the bare statistics, Scotland go into the winter on a downbeat note.
A win over the Netherlands was a high point, the New Zealand A defeats were chastening, but two defeats in three days against fellow associate nation Ireland perhaps highlight Scotland's place in the cricket hierarchy.
Monday's seven-wicket defeat was emphatic, but Scotland seamer Ali Evans argues that Wednesday's three-wicket reverse shows that Grant Bradburn's side are on the right track as they prepare for Friday's third ODI against Phil Simmons' side at Malahide.
Richie Berrington's first ODI century helped Scotland post a competitive total of 221 on a pitch with variable bounce, and Evans took 2/34 in ten overs as Ireland stuttered over the finishing line after a middle-order collapse.
"The changing room isn't as downbeat at the moment as you would think, and we're actually in a pretty good place going into tomorrow's games," Evans said.
"It's never nice to lose games, but as a squad we've got a good unity and are enjoying each other's company, which is crucial."
Evans is likely to make the 16-man provisional squad for a tour against state sides in Australia and New Zealand at the end of September which will be named next week.
The squad will be later augmented with county players such as skipper Kyle Coetzer, Rob Taylor and Matt Machan, who will be given an end-of-season rest and may miss the first match of the tour against Tasmanian Tigers on September 29 in Hobart.
The panel will form the basis of February's World Cup squad, and Berrington is enthused by the contribution of the 6'5" Carlton bowler. "I thought he [Evans] bowled really well coming back into the side after missing the first match. It shows we have depth there. We will come back fighting and hopefully finish off with a win."
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