ENGLAND captain Michael Vaughan and his Test colleague Matthew Hoggard have both been given permission to play for Yorkshire Phoenix in their vital totesport League clash with Derbyshire Scorpions at Derby on Sunday.

And Yorkshire have been even further boosted by the news that strike bowler Hoggard has been told by England coach Duncan Fletcher that he can also play in their last three Championship matches.

Apart from the injured Chris Silverwood, Yorkshire will be virtually at full strength on Sunday for one of the few times this season.

After the game, Vaughan and Anthony McGrath will both join up with England for their NatWest Series of three one-day matches against India which start a week today with the game at Trent Bridge.

Hoggard is not in the England one-day squad which is why he is able to see out the season for Yorkshire - with Fletcher's permission.

Yorkshire's director of cricket, David Byas, said: "It is marvellous news that Vaughan, Hoggard and McGrath can all play for us on Sunday and I am delighted that Matthew will be strengthening our attack on the final lap of our Championship season.

"We have generally been below par with the new ball and have not made too many early breakthroughs, but Matthew should help to change that."

As I reported exclusively yesterday, Vaughan has been granted a benefit next year by Yorkshire and director of operations, Geoff Cope, has confirmed that Vaughan will give part of the proceeds to charity.

Desperate to pick up points against promotion rivals Glamorgan, Yorkshire were frustrated by the weather yesterday when a soaking wet ground was hit by more rain and no play was possible on the opening day of the Championship match.

Third placed Glamorgan will be much happier than Yorkshire if the game is drawn because they are 17.50 points in front and time is running out for Yorkshire to catch up.

Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, August 25, 2004