England XI to Face Prime Minister’s XI in Pink-Ball Match

An England XI is set to compete against the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day pink-ball match at Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 29 and 30.

The game is slated to occur immediately after the Ashes Test in Perth and just before the second Test, a day-night match at the Gabba. The Gabba replaces Adelaide Oval as the pink-ball venue this season.

This match provides England with a crucial chance to acclimatize to pink-ball conditions in a competitive setting. The PM’s XI fixture, traditionally a one-day event, was extended to a multi-day format in 2022-23, with West Indies as the opposition.

Last year’s match against India was shortened to two days but ultimately became a one-day game due to rainfall.

Despite the weather disruption, the match was impactful, with Sam Konstas achieving a century, leading to his Test selection for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Once the Ashes series starts, this will be England’s sole non-Test match.

Before the first Test, they will participate in a three-day warm-up against England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth. However, this is expected to be centre-wicket practice rather than a formal match.

Cricket Australia reports that tickets for the first day of that warm-up have already been sold out.

The PM’s XI fixture does not clash with any Sheffield Shield matches, unlike the England Lions’ games against a Cricket Australia XI and Australia A, which coincide with the first two Ashes Tests.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of the forthcoming contest and shared his personal connection to the historic rivalry.

“Every cricket enthusiast anticipates an Ashes series. Like many Australians, I admired, and envied, the talent of players like Ian Botham, David Gower, and Graham Gooch during my childhood.”

“I anticipate meeting with selectors to finalize a PM’s XI squad. The goal is to showcase the best talent from across Australia to compete against the strong English team.”