‘Always winning’: Albanese’s cheeky sledge as selectors name strong Prime Minister’s XI squad to face Pakistan
A host of Test hopefuls will get the chance to impress national selectors after they were picked in a strong Prime Minister’s XI squad to face Pakistan next month.
Test all-rounder Cameron Green has been asked to do some extra work ahead of a five-match home summer after being included in a strong Prime Minister’s XI squad for next month’s match against Pakistan.
Opening batters Cam Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw and Marcus Harris have also been selected locking in the bat-off for David Warner’s spot when the veteran retires from Test cricket at the end of the home summer.
The match in Canberra begins on December 6 and will be a good opportunity for Green to get some time in the middle after he played just three games in the recent ODI World Cup.
The squad features six players with Test experience and is a huge reward for some of the strongest performers in this year’s Sheffield Shield, with the top three scorers Bancroft (505 runs), Beau Webster (487) and Nathan McSweeney (456) all selected.
McSweeney will skipper the side for the four-day match at Manuka Oval which presents a wonderful opportunity for Bancroft, Renshaw and Harris to impress selectors ahead of next year’s massive home series against India.
“We’re pleased to reward some of our leading first-class performers over multiple seasons with an opportunity to face quality international opposition,” chair of selectors George Bailey said.
“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.”
Thilan Samaraweera will coach the side having previously worked with Australia A and the male pathways programs, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese taking the opportunity to congratulate the national side for their recent World Cup success.
“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,” he said.
“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!”
Squad: Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Nathan McAndrew, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster
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