(CMC) – Touring West Indies will face the Australia Prime Minister’s XI in a four-day pink-ball game Down Under next month, in commemoration of the 70-year anniversary of the celebrated fixture.
The match, which will be played from November 23-26 under lights at Manuka Oval in Canberra, will be part of the touring side’s preparations for the two-Test series against the hosts.
“I am delighted to confirm the return of the Prime Minister’s XI this summer, an Australian tradition that spans 70 years,” said Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Along with Cricket Australia, I am very excited to be welcoming the West Indies. I grew up loving watching Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner, so I’m thrilled my first PM’s XI as Prime Minister will be against the current West Indies stars here in Canberra.”
West Indies face the Aussies in the opening Test in Perth starting November 30 before playing their first-ever pink-ball Test Down Under when they travel to Adelaide for the second Test which bowls off December 8.
The series will be contested for the prestigious Frank Worrell Trophy, currently held by Australia following their 2-0 triumph in the last series between the two teams seven years ago.
Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite said the Prime Minister’s XI fixture and the Test tour were of great importance to West Indies.
“We’re looking forward to this tour of Australia and there is great energy and readiness in our camp,” said Brathwaite.
“The match against the Prime Minister’s XI is a major part of the cricket calendar and it will be an honour to lead the West Indies in such a prestigious match. “My preparation has been going well. I’ve been home for a while so I have been able to do plenty of drills and fitness work as well as playing club cricket and other tournaments … spending time in the middle … for what will be a major tour for us.”
He added: “We have been playing some good Test cricket this year, with very good series wins against England and Bangladesh, and we want to make greater strides in the ICC World Test Championship table.”
West Indies have not beaten Australia in a Test series in almost three decades and have won just one of their last 26 Tests against the powerhouses, while losing 21.
