< >

Australia announce Governor-General's XI match

by John Pennington Monday 4 January 2016

Australian women team will take on the visiting Indian women team in the inaugural Governor-General's XI match.

©REUTERS / Action Images

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced an annual Governor-General's XI match featuring the women's team playing against visiting teams replicating the Prime Minister's XI fixture for men's cricket.

The first edition of the Governor-General's XI game will be played against the Indian women team on 22nd January at the Drummoyne Oval in Sydney ahead of the limited overs series between the two teams.

Australia’s Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove is confident that the Governor-General’s XI fixture will be a platform to showcase the upcoming young talent in women’s cricket.

"Australia's women cricketers are the best in the world.

“The Governor-General's XI is an opportunity to showcase many of these experienced and up-and-coming players against formidable international teams.

"My hope is that this annual match will encourage even more Australians to celebrate the skill, talent and determination of our nation's women cricketers.”

The chief executive officer of CA James Sutherland is hoping that the Governor-General's XI fixture will help realise the vision to make cricket the choice of sport for women across Australia.

"Australian cricket is honoured that the Governor General has chosen to support the game in this way," said Sutherland.

“Our goal is to see cricket become the sport of choice for women and girls across the nation, whether as participants or fans, and this annual fixture is another important step in helping realise that vision.

“Almost a quarter of the 1.2 million Australians now playing cricket are women and girls and their numbers continue to grow rapidly.

“Drawing more females to the game, as players and fans, presents as the most significant opportunity for cricket to become incredibly strong and enduring.”

In the upcoming limited overs tour between Australia and India, the two teams will play three Twenty20 Internationals and as many One-Day Internationals between 26th January and 7th February.