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Canterbury Country will attempt to bat Nelson out of the game if it wins the toss in its defence of the District Cup cricket trophy at Dudley Park, starting tomorrow.

Michael Sharpe, the Country player-coach, said a minimum of 400 runs will be Country's target.

``These games are very intense, more so than (Shell) trophy games. It's full-on for the three days.''

Country has a squad of 15 players from which its final 12 will be chosen.

The only doubt is over Harley James, who scored 176 against Dunedin City two weeks ago. He injured a hand in that match and a decision on his inclusion will be made today.

Sharpe said the Dudley Park pitch was ``playing magnificently'' and would get and better as the game progressed.

Country has struck a Nelson team without five of its normal squad. Mark Douglas and Tim Anderson are required for Central Districts, Richard Harden, the English professional, has returned to his county, Yorkshire, and Craig Bartlett and Clayton Williams are both injured.

Nelson coach Richard Hayward said he wants a contribution from the top of his batting order.

``We have been four or five for a 100 in most of our games this year and have had to rely on the middle order.''

The squads are:

Canterbury Country: Greg Lewis (captain), Simon Edwards, Brad Doody, Nathan Jones, Harley James, Mark Patterson, Danny Bulman, Brendon Donkers, Paul Rugg, Dean Serra, Mike Sharpe, Hamish Pavey, Peter Fulton, Callum Davidson, Tony Doody.

Nelson: Cade Armstrong, Duncan Cederman, Bobby Chilton, Nick Granger, Matt Henderson, Scott Inglis, Brian Krammer, David Leonard, Glenn Milnes, John Ogilvie, Andrew Schwass, Delkon Woodhead.