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An England XI will take on the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day pink-ball match at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on November 29 and 30, slotted between the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth and the day-night clash at the Gabba.
The match, traditionally a one-day fixture, was upgraded to a multi-day format in 2022-23 and will now serve as a key preparatory outing for England’s red-ball specialists.
This year’s fixture gives the touring side a valuable opportunity to get accustomed to the pink ball under match conditions before the second Test in Brisbane.
While the match doesn’t overlap with the Sheffield Shield, it remains the only fixture England will play outside the five-Test Ashes series once it begins.
Earlier, they’ll have a three-day internal game against England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth, although it’s expected to be more of a centre-wicket practice session than a competitive fixture.
Last season’s PM’s XI match against India was reduced to a one-dayer due to rain, but it still proved significant.
Young batter Sam Konstas made headlines with a century that propelled him into national reckoning, later earning a call-up for the Boxing Day Test.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the historical value of the fixture.
“An Ashes series is something every cricket fan looks forward to,” he said. “Like many Australians, I grew up admiring, and begrudging, the brilliance of players like Ian Botham, David Gower, and Graham Gooch.”
He added that he’s looking forward to finalising a competitive PM’s XI squad to challenge a strong English side.
“I look forward to meeting with the selectors to finalise a PM’s XI squad that showcases the best available talent from across Australia to take on the strong English team,” he added.
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