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Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, in conjunction with the National Selection Panel (NSP), revealed the men’s squad set to represent the Prime Minister’s XI in a much-anticipated clash against Pakistan in Canberra.
Nathan McSweeney is slated to captain a robust squad comprising six players with Test experience – Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Todd Murphy, Jimmy Peirson, and Matthew Renshaw, all part of Australia’s recent Ashes campaign in England.
Leading the run charts in the Marsh Sheffield Shield are Cameron Bancroft (505 runs), Beau Webster (487), and McSweeney (456), while the bowling prowess of Mark Steketee and Michael Neser, who combined for 78 wickets last season, fortifies the team’s bowling attack.
As a vital pre-series challenge for the subcontinent tourists ahead of their impending three-match series starting in Perth on December 14, the 50th PM’s XI fixture also serves as the ultimate audition for numerous Australian Test aspirants.
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Thilan Samaraweera, with prior experience working with Australia A and the nation’s male underage pathway squads, assumes the Head Coach position for this fixture.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Prime Minister Albanese highlighted the prestigious heritage of the Prime Minister’s XI in Australian cricket. “The squad selection to face Pakistan next month, chosen by George Bailey, Tony Dodemaide, and myself, comprises experienced players on the verge of Test recognition,” mentioned Albanese, congratulating Nathan McSweeney on the captaincy.
Albanese also commended Pat Cummins and his triumphant team on their recent World Cup victory, acknowledging their captivating journey to the final and their remarkable win against India, contributing to an immensely successful year for both Australian men’s and women’s cricket.
Local ACT Premier cricketers will lend their support to the playing squad during the match, benefiting from the opportunity to train alongside and learn from Australia’s top domestic talent.
Players selected for the PM’s XI will miss the opening weekend of Big Bash League 13, with the T20 competition commencing the day after the fixture at Manuka Oval on December 7.
The Prime Minister’s XI squad for the encounter against Pakistan includes Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Nathan McAndrew, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, and Beau Webster.