Aspiring Test openers Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw were all in a good Australian team on Thursday for a warm-up match against Pakistan. They are trying out to replace David Warner, who is retired.
The Prime Minister’s XI has six players with Test experience. These two were among them. The team will play the guests in Canberra next month for four days of red-ball cricket to start the Australian summer.
From December 14, the two teams will play three Tests, in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. Warner, the experienced opener, has said he will retire after those three games.
That would leave a spot open to start with Usman Khawaja in the next two Tests against the West Indies in the middle of January.
Cameron Green, an all-rounder, was also picked for the PM’s XI. He is trying to get back into the Test team after losing one over the past few months.
“We’re happy to give some of our best first-class players who have played for us over multiple seasons the chance to play against good international teams,” said George Bailey, head of selection.
“With a heavy workload of Test cricket coming this summer, this match provides an opportunity to continue to build depth around our national red-ball squad.”
Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Nathan McAndrew, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, and Beau Webster make up the PM’s XI. Nathan McSweeney is captain.