Internationals Chris Cairns and Craig McMillan will not play in the Canterbury team against England at Hagley Oval tomorrow.

The pair had been keen to play in the pre-Test match but concerns over injuries have seen them forced to withdraw.

Cairns has a problem with the sacroiliac joint at the bottom of his back and it is causing referred pain in his back. It is the sort of injury that will not prevent him playing in the first Test.

However, had he played in the game tomorrow the running between the wickets and in the field could have affected his back.

He will now focus on strengthening the area in his back.

McMillan is suffering some posterio lateral knee pain at the back of the knee and is having more aggressive rehabilitation and while undergoing that it is not considered wise to play at the same time.

New Zealand Cricket's fitness advisor Warren Frost said the situation with the injury would be clearer tomorrow.

Left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori will be in Christchurch tomorrow to have his back assessed by Dr Rob Campbell and Graham Nuttridge.

"We always saw Daniel's recovery as a two-year project and he was in a little bit of pain after the Australian series. It didn't get any worse during the one-day series against England, which is a good sign, but then it didn't get any better.

"That's why we asked that he be left out of the Northern Districts game, just to let it settle. We always keep a pretty close eye on him."

After his assessment he will work with player development manager Ashley Ross on matters of his bowling.

"He felt his technique had slipped a little and just wants to recheck a few things," he said.

Because Vettori was such a competitor and a real professional in his approach, he needed to be constantly reminded of his loadings requirements," Frost said.

He always wanted to bowl a few overs more.

While the absence of Cairns and McMillan will be a blow to local supporters there is still plenty of experience in the Canterbury side to ensure a tough contest for England.

Nathan Astle and Chris Harris are still there while Chris Martin, a prospective Test bowler, will also play if he can pass a fitness test.

Gary Stead, who leads the side, is a former Test player as is off-spinner Paul Wiseman who has the chance to prove his right to be regarded as the next option after Vettori in the spinner's stakes.

It will be a big match too for the competitive Wade Cornelius, a hungry bowler who has made a big impression after a season at the New Zealand Cricket Academy last year.

© CricInfo