Otago Cricket has been forced into seeking an alternative venue for its scheduled three-day match against England in early-March.

The game, which follows the One-Day International series and which will be used by the English as one of two warm-up matches before the Test series with New Zealand, was set down for Carisbrook from March 2-4.

Despite the international itinerary being released several months ago, the Highlanders first home Super 12 match - against the Cats - will be played at Carisbrook on Saturday, March 2, leaving Otago Cricket in a quandary.

While discussions had been going on between the Otago rugby and cricket administrations, the first OCA chief executive Graeme Elliott knew of the final decision was when the Super 12 draw was published in Saturday's Otago Daily Times.

Mr Elliott is disappointed for the cricket fans in and around Dunedin and also for the local economy.

"We understand there'll be between 5000 and 7000 supporters following the English team, and their presence in the city for a week or more would have been a great boost to the city", Mr Elliott said.

"The supporters, which include the infamous Barmy Army, will now only be here for two days - and that's unsatisfactory".

The 2001/02 season is Otago Cricket's 125th and the English visit was to be the focal point.

"This really highlights the difficulties created by the longer rugby seasons when associated with dual-purpose grounds. It also further emphasises the need for the development of the University Oval to Test match standard to become reality", Mr Elliott said.

Otago Cricket is discussing the change of venue with New Zealand Cricket with the Queenstown Events Centre seen as a strong option. The QEC will host its first major match on January 2 with the opening State Shield match between Otago and Wellington.

© CricInfo