Australia‘s selectors have announced a formidable Prime Minister’s XI, featuring key players such as Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Bancroft, for a crucial tour match against Pakistan. The four-day encounter at Manuka Oval in Canberra, starting on December 6, serves as a platform for players to stake their claim for the upcoming Test series.
Cameron Green, aiming for a Test return, has been included after a hiatus from red-ball cricket since the Ashes series. With Mitchell Marsh as the first-choice Test all-rounder, Green is eager to reclaim his spot and is likely to feature in the Test summer. Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Bancroft will engage in a three-way audition for the Test opening spot, adding intrigue to the match.
Nathan McSweeney, leading the side, has previously captained Australia A and provides stability to the team. Wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson, backed by consistent performances for Australia A, takes the gloves. Nathan McAndrew and Mark Steketee, with their recent form, strengthen the pace attack.
Tasmania all-rounder Beau Webster, rewarded for an outstanding start in the Sheffield Shield season, joins the squad after Aaron Hardie’s call-up to the T20I series against India. The selectors have strategically chosen eleven players to avoid further withdrawals impacting Big Bash League (BBL) teams.
However, some BBL clubs will face challenges with key players unavailable. Brisbane Heat will miss Peirson, Neser, Renshaw, and McSweeney for their first two matches. Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers will also be without Webster, Steketee, and Murphy for crucial clashes.
The Prime Minister’s XI match provides a final opportunity for the three openers to showcase their abilities before Australia’s first Test against the West Indies in January. With the Test squad assembling on December 9, the stakes are high for players vying for Test spots.
The squad, coached by former Sri Lanka batter Thilan Samaraweera, includes:
- Nathan McSweeney (capt)
- Cameron Bancroft
- Cameron Green
- Marcus Harris
- Nathan McAndrew
- Todd Murphy
- Michael Neser
- Jimmy Peirson
- Matthew Renshaw
- Mark Steketee
- Beau Webster
As anticipation builds for this pivotal tour match, cricket enthusiasts await to see how these players perform in their bid to secure positions in the national Test squad.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
