England seem certain to face a much tougher match than that provided by Otago when they meet Canterbury in the last warm-up match before the first Test starting next week in Christchurch.

In a departure from the norm, the result of rugby gaining precedence for use of Jade Stadium at the weekend, the England-Canterbury match will be played on Hagley Oval.

The inner city ground is the home ground for several Christchurch senior club sides and while Hagley Oval is one of the oldest first-class grounds in the country it has not been used regularly for first-class play for many years.

This match also celebrates 125 years of the Canterbury Cricket Association, just as the Otago match celebrated 125 years of Otago Cricket.

Eight players with international experience have been included in the Canterbury side, including the match-winner from the last of the One-Day Internationals, Nathan Astle, world-ranked all-rounder Chris Cairns, Craig McMillan and Chris Harris.

Fast-medium bowler Chris Martin could also play although he has to prove his fitness after a recent injury.

Captain Gary Stead is a former international as is off-spinner Paul Wiseman. Warren Wisneski has played ODIs for New Zealand while Shanan Stewart and Wade Cornelius are graduates of last year's New Zealand Cricket Academy intake.

Both have made their mark in first-class play this summer while opener Robbie Frew has been in good touch this summer.

Canterbury has disappointed in the State Championship this year but has had to play without its international players for much of the time.

They will greatly strengthen the Canterbury side.

England has had some good news however, Michael Vaughan is likely to play in the game. Vaughan suffered a shoulder dislocation while fielding in the fourth ODI in the recent series after playing one of the better innings of the series for the tourists.

The injury has not completely recovered but by the time the match starts Vaughan is certain he will be ready and is keen to stamp his claim on a place in the Test side.

Certainly after the batting embarrassments at Otago's hands, an in form Vaughan would be greatly appreciated by England.

The Canterbury team is: Gary Stead (captain), Robbie Frew, Michael Papps, Shanan Stewart, Craig McMillan, Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Gareth Hopkins, Paul Wiseman, Warren Wisneski, Wade Cornelius, Chris Martin.

The match will start at 12 noon each day.

© CricInfo