NewKerala.com

Key Points

Australia’s PM’s XI will take on England in a two-day pink-ball match ahead of the Ashes. The game marks the first time England will face the PM’s XI with a pink Kookaburra ball. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed excitement about the historic clash and the upcoming Ashes series. England’s tour also includes fixtures against England Lions and Australia A.

Key Points: PM’s XI to Play England in Pink Ball Warm-Up Before Ashes

  • Historic pink-ball warm-up before Ashes day-night Test
  • PM’s XI vs England XI at Manuka Oval
  • Albanese hints at star-studded PM’s XI selection
  • England Lions to tour Australia alongside main squad
2 min read

PM's XI to face England XI in two-day pink ball match ahead of Ashes day-night Test

Australia’s PM’s XI faces England in a historic pink-ball warm-up match ahead of the Ashes series, set for November in Canberra.

"“An Ashes series is something every cricket fan looks forward to.” – Anthony Albanese"

Melbourne, July 29

Cricket Australia has confirmed that the Prime Minister’s XI will take on an England Men’s XI in a two-day, day-night fixture at Manuka Oval on November 29 and 30

The two-day pink-ball match in Canberra is scheduled to begin four days after the opening Test in Perth and conclude three days before the day-night Test in Brisbane, which replaces the traditional pink-ball venue of the Adelaide Oval this season.

This year will mark the eleventh occasion on which England have faced the Prime Minister’s XI - and the first to be played with the pink Kookaburra ball.

Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, said, “This year, we welcome an England XI to Manuka Oval for what promises to be a thrilling contest ahead of the greatest rivalry in cricket.

“An Ashes series is something every cricket fan looks forward to. Like many Australians, I grew up admiring and begrudging the brilliance of players like Ian Botham, David Gower, and Graham Gooch.

"I look forward to meeting with the selectors to finalise a PM’s XI that showcases the best available talent from across Australia to take on the strong English team.”

England will begin their five-match Ashes Test series in Perth on November 21.

Meanwhile, the England Lions will start their Australian tour in Perth in November, with fixtures against England and a Cricket Australia XI. They will conclude their tour with a match against Australia A in Brisbane at the beginning of December.

England have not won the Ashes since 2015 when they defeated Australia 3-2 on home soil. The last series between the oldest cricket rivals ended in a 2-2 draw.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
As an Indian cricket fan, I always enjoy watching Ashes contests. The intensity is unmatched! But honestly, nothing beats an India vs Australia Test series for me. Hope BCCI arranges more bilateral matches with quality opponents.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Canberra getting this match. As someone who lived in India and Australia, I think Indian stadiums could learn from Manuka Oval's facilities. Our grounds have amazing atmosphere but need better amenities for fans.
V
Vikram M
England's last Ashes win was in 2015? That's surprising! Meanwhile our Indian team has been doing well overseas. Just shows how Test cricket is changing. But nothing beats watching Kohli bat against England's bowling attack! 🔥
K
Karthik V
While this is exciting, I hope CA and ECB remember to schedule matches at times when Asian fans can watch too. 4:30 AM starts are brutal for us cricket lovers in India! Time zones should be considered for global audiences.
P
Priya S
The PM's XI concept is nice, but I wonder why India doesn't have something similar? Imagine a match between President's XI and visiting teams at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Would be great exposure for domestic players before Test series.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50