Warwickshire will play England in a three-day fixture at Edgbaston starting on 1 July 2009 as part of the preparations for the Ashes.

The match will start a week before the first Test in Cardiff, while the third Test begins at Edgbaston on 30 July.

On the same day, the Australian tourists will begin a four-day match against the England Lions at Worcester.

"I think we're quite fortunate," Warwickshire director of operations Keith Cook told BBC WM.

"It was an opportunity that was presented to the club some time back.

"The England management had decided they wanted to get as much competitive cricket ahead of the Ashes series as they could.

It's three days of home cricket, and a great chance for some of the public who can't get tickets for the Ashes series to come down and watch England play Warwickshire official Keith Cook

"They gave the opportunity to a number of counties. We threw our hat in the ring quite quickly, and we were fortunate enough to get the game."

Cook also says the fixture will be a welcome addition to the calendar for Warwickshire members.

"That was obviously one of the motivations for taking the game.

"As well as helping England in their preparations, and also for Warwickshire to get some very stiff competition against the England side, it was a great opportunity for members as well.

"It's three days of home cricket, and a great chance for some of the public who can't get tickets for the Ashes series to come down and watch England play."

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