Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) have named the men’s squad for the Prime Minister’s XI match against Pakistan in Canberra.
South Australian batter Nathan McSweeney will captain a strong squad which features six players with experience at Test level.
Cameron Bancroft (505 runs), Beau Webster (487) and McSweeney (456) are the current leading Marsh Sheffield Shield run scorers, while Queensland quicks Mark Steketee and Michael Neser combined for 78 wickets last season.
Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Todd Murphy, Jimmy Peirson and Matthew Renshaw all featured in Australia’s Test squad during the recent Ashes campaign in England.
Thilan Samaraweera has been named Head Coach of the side after previously working with Australia A and Australia’s male underage pathway squads.
The playing squad will be supported throughout the match by local ACT Premier cricketers, Eric Bell and Lachlan Simpson, who will have the opportunity to train alongside and learn from the best domestic talent in Australia.
The four-day fixture against the Pakistan begins on Wednesday, 6 December at Manuka Oval.
Prime Minister’s XI squad:
Nathan McSweeney (c) (SA - Glenelg Cricket Club)
Cameron Bancroft (WA - Willetton Premier Cricket Club)
Cameron Green (WA - Subiaco Floreat Cricket Club)
Marcus Harris (VIC - St Kilda Cricket Club)
Nathan McAndrew (SA - Woodville District Cricket Club)
Todd Murphy (VIC - St Kilda Cricket Club)
Michael Neser (QLD - Gold Coast District Cricket Club)
Jimmy Peirson (QLD - Redlands Cricket Club)
Matthew Renshaw (QLD - Toombul District Cricket Club)
Mark Steketee (QLD - Valley District Cricket Club)
Beau Webster (TAS - Kingborough District Cricket Club)
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese:
“The Prime Minister’s XI has a rich history within Australian Cricket, and I am delighted to confirm the squad to face Pakistan next month.
“George Bailey, Tony Dodemaide and I have selected an experienced squad of players who are on the cusp of Test selection.
“I want to congratulate Nathan McSweeney on the honour of being named as captain. I know he’ll lead the side expertly and within the traditions and spirit of this great fixture.
“I’d also like to congratulate Pat Cummins and his world champion team on their World Cup victory.
“Their run to the final and amazing performance to beat India on Sunday night captivated the nation.
“Of course – Captain Pat and his team’s heroics continue what has been an incredibly successful year for both the Australian men's and women's teams.
“Same old Aussies – Always winning!”
NSP Chair of Selectors, George Bailey said:
“We’re pleased to reward some of our leading first-class performers over multiple seasons with an opportunity to face quality international opposition.
“Selection in the Prime Minister’s XI is a great honour for any cricketer and plays an important part in our men’s representative program, along with recent Australia A series.
“With a heavy workload of Test cricket coming this summer, this match provides an opportunity to continue to build depth around our national red ball squad.
“We thank Prime Minister Albanese for his input into the squad’s selection that aligns with the traditions of the match with some of the country’s most exciting developing cricketers mixed with some highly experienced players.”
Tickets to the Prime Minister’s XI match are on sale now and available here.
PM’s XI v Pakistan
December 6-9, 10.30am AEDT
Manuka Oval, Canberra
Broadcast: Foxtel & Kayo Sports