The venue has been upgraded to host first-class cricket by the Canterbury association as it seeks another city venue capable of hosting provincial play with the limited availability of Jade Stadium (Lancaster Park) and heavy workload on Hagley Oval.

The two matches, a two-dayer followed by a one-dayer, will create interest in how the Waikari soil wicket plays. Provided the pitch plays satisfactorily it could be used to host a Shell Conference series play-off match from November 28 until December 1, if Southern or Pakistan A finish first or third in the four-team series.

The Northern team is Robbie Hart (captain), Graeme Aldridge, Grant Bradburn, Robbie Diver, Matthew Hart, Hamish Marshall, Michael Parlane, Neal Parlane, Addil Somani, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Joseph Yovich. For Tuesday's one-dayer Robbie Hart is being replaced by Nathan Daly.