I have nothing to prove

Croft is playing better than ever this season, both with ball and bat, and his county skipper is adamant he should still be in the England one-day line-up.

"He is still the country's premier slow bowler, and his batting has improved so much," said Steve James. "He should be in the England side."

But Croft has been ignored since pulling out of his country's post-September 11 tour to India and Sri Lanka, as the selectors have gone for a more youthful look.

That look will be on display on Saturday, when new skipper Michael Vaughan leads his side in a warm-up for the forthcoming series with Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Croft would love to be involved in that, but insists: "I have nothing to prove. I know what I can do and the selectors know what I can do.

"It's always a tough ask when they pick their team, but it's common knowledge they are building up towards the 2007 World Cup.

"I'd love to be involved again, but if they pick me, they pick me and if they don't, they don't.

"I'm just concentrating on enjoying my cricket and at the moment things are going my way."

As for the match, Wales crushed England by eight wickets in the inaugural clash last year, restricting them to 189-9, then reaching 191-1, James contributed 83 not out.

Many people believed England did not try too hard, but Croft said: "That's complete rubbish. They are professional sports players and they don't just roll over.

"There is professional pride at stake, and they are playing in front of the selectors.

"Last time we won because we played the better cricket on the day.

"It was a great day for everybody concerned, and we'll be trying as hard as we can to register another win, that's for sure.

"England will be led by a new captain in Michael Vaughan, and he'll want to win his first game in charge. He will want to make sure his team aren't caught cold.

"He has had a fantastic year in international cricket, but this will be something new for him.

"From out point of view, most of the Wales team will be from Glamorgan, and we have played well in the one-day games this season. We have just got to concentrate on what we do well and not worry about what England do.

"It's a great opportunity for our lads to perform well in front of the England selectors."

And Croft added: "For England it's the start of their build-up to another one-day series.

"We want another Wales win, but the most important thing is we all get out of the game what we want."

Apart from the injured James (knee), Tony Cottey (back) and broken finger victim Andrew Davies, Wales will now be without young Jonathan Hughes tomorrow as he broke a thumb in the second team's defeat by Somerset in the Second X1 Trophy at Neath on Monday.

Croft himself has to pass a late test after having a cortisone injection in a damaged heel, but hopes to play.

The team will be announced later today and will consist of Glamorgan players plus Steffan Jones (Somerset).

Tickets (£25 for adults, £5 for children under 16) are still available from the Glamorgan offices. So far around 3,500 have been sold. Ground capacity is 5,000.