Team Confirmed For Prime Minister's XI Match

Team Confirmed For Prime Minister's XI Match

Usman Khawaja has been included in the Prime Minister's XI to take on the touring West Indians in Canberra

©REUTERS / Action Images

The line-up for the Australian Prime Minister's XI to take on the touring West Indians in Canberra on 29th January has been confirmed.

As previously announced, recently retired Ricky Ponting will captain the side and will have experienced wicket-keeper Brad Haddin as his vice-captain.

Usman Khawaja, who made One-Day International debut in the opening match against Sri Lanka, is also included in the team alongside James Faulkner as the only other players with international experience.

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"We are hoping that the Canberra skies will be clear for this historic occasion, that being the first match played under lights at Manuka Oval," Prime Minister and chief selector Julia Gillard said.

"The PM’s XI has been the breeding ground for many of our cricketing stars and I am confident this match will prove to be no different."

National Selection Panel Chairman John Inverarity added: "The PM's XI game is a special fixture on the Australian cricketing calendar. It provides a unique opportunity for many of our most talented and promising cricketers to showcase their skills.

"Captain Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Brad Haddin are two players who bring with them leadership and enormous experience on the international stage, and will be excellent drawcards.

"Usman Khawaja has been in great form this summer and James Faulkner, who made his international Twenty20 debut for Australia against India last year, will also be keen to make his mark.

“The team also features emerging leg spin bowler Fawad Ahmed, who was born and raised in Pakistan. Fawad is playing for the Melbourne Renegades in the KFC T20 Big Bash League and grade club Melbourne University, and we are encouraged by his ongoing development.

“We have also been very pleased with the progress of Indian-born fast bowler Gurinder Sandhu, who has performed well for the Sydney Thunder following strong performances for Australia in last year’s Under 19 World Cup.

“With two Pakistani-born and one Indian-born player in the team, these talented players reflect the cultural diversity that exists within our pathway systems.”

The match will be the first to be played under lights at the Manuka Oval ground.

Australia Prime Minister's XI: Ricky Ponting (captain), Brad Haddin (vice-captain), Fawad Ahmed, Jono Dean, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Kane Richardson, Gurinder Sandhu, Ashton Turner, Nick Winter (12th man)

© Cricket World 2013