Australia's request to turn their four-day match with Sussex into a 12-a-side fixture to help their Ashes preparations has been accepted by the ECB.

The tourists wanted to use the Sussex fixture, one of only two first-class matches scheduled before the first npower Ashes Test at Cardiff on July 8, to consider their options within the squad.

They approached the ECB and their request was accepted as a reciprocal agreement to allowing England to field more than 11 players on the opening match of their tour to Australia in 2006-7 against New South Wales.

"There will be fierce competition for places in our starting line-up for the first Test and we will be going all out for an emphatic performance at Hove," explained Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Prep strategy

"The arrangement for 12 players to participate in the match will not impact on the intensity of our cricket and will provide invaluable preparation for an additional player."

England adopted a similar practice under former coach Duncan Fletcher, who often pushed to change tour matches from first class into games where more than 11 players could be used.

Suusex promising tough fight

Sussex, who are disappointed their match has lost its first-class status, are promising to filed a strong side for the start of Australia's build-up to the Ashes.

"We're delighted to be hosting the opening match of the Ashes tour," said Sussex manager Mark Robinson.

"Whilst ideally we would have liked the game to have been played 11 a side, the 12 a-side participation will mean that the Sussex public will see more of the major Australian players.

"We will be fielding the strongest possible Sussex side to test the Australian team in this important warm-up fixture."