Thursday 9 January 2014

Australia Name Prime Minister's XI

Brad Hodge has been named in the Prime Minister's XI to play England in Canberra

Test-capped players Jackson Bird and Brad Hodge will feature for the Australian Prime Minister's XI when they take on England in a one-day game on 14th January.

Brett Lee will captain the side that also includes Luke Pomersbach, Ben Cutting and a number of young players selected by PM Tony Abbott and the Cricket Australia National Selection Panel.

"It is an honour to announce the squad to take on England in next week’s Prime Minister’s XI match," Abbott said.

"This team is an exciting mix of new talent and seasoned hands.

"After such an extraordinary Ashes win by the Australian Cricket team, I am looking forward to what should be another great day in our summer of cricket," he added.

National Selection Panel John Inverarity explained some of the selections, adding:

"This match is a special fixture on the Australian cricketing calendar. Brett Lee and Brad Hodge bring leadership and experience to the team and will be great drawcards.

"Chris Lynn has been in excellent form this season in all forms of the game. Jackson Bird is recovering well from injury and we are keen to increase his workload.

"We have also been pleased with the progress of left-arm orthodox spinner Clive Rose, who has performed well for Tasmania in the Bupa Sheffield Shield.

"ACT local Michael Spaseski is a promising young batsman and provides a great cricketing story. He is a first generation Australian of Macedonian parents, who knew nothing about cricket when they first came to Australia.

"We have every confidence that this team will perform well and that the players selected will represent the Prime Minister’s XI with pride," Inverarity concluded.

Prime Minister's XI: Brett Lee (captain), Jackson Bird, Ben Cutting, Peter Handscomb (wicket-keeper), Brad Hodge, Chris Lynn, Alister McDermott, James Muirhead, Luke Pomersbach, Clive Rose, Michael Spaseki, Shane Devoy (12th man)