Green had signaled his inclusion during the World Cup by not having played any red-ball cricket since losing his place in Australia’s squad for the final Test of the Ashes series. He remains behind Mitchell Marsh as Australia’s first-choice Test all-rounder but is keen to take his spot back from him and has every chance of featuring during the summer of Tests. Marsh experienced some pain due to the increased bowling load during the three Ashes Tests he played, having not played first-class cricket in two years prior to the Ashes and had not played consecutive first-class games in four. years.
There will be a lot of intrigue surrounding the top three picks: Harris, Renshaw and Bancroft. It will be interesting to see who will bat at number 3 as the trio have been opening for their states and are all vying for David Warner’s Test spot once Warner retires after the Pakistan series. The Prime Minister’s XI will be the last first-class match either of them will play before Australia’s first Test against the West Indies in mid-January, when a new opening match will be selected.
Some BBL clubs will be the most affected by the naming of such a strong team. Talks had been going on for several months between various clubs and selectors about how this match would affect BBL teams. Brisbane Heat will be the hardest hit, with Peirson, Neser, Renshaw and McSweeney unavailable for their first two games on December 7 and 9. But they hope to have opener and Test captain Usman Khawaja available to play before the first. Test against Pakistan on December 14 in Perth, although the Test team will assemble on December 9.
The Melbourne Stars will be without Webster and Steketee for their clash against the Heat on opening night, while the Sydney Sixers will be without Murphy for their match against the Melbourne Renegades on December 8. Lyon has already stated that he is interested in playing for the Renegades that night at the SCG. while the Sixers are hopeful that Steven Smith will be available.
Prime Minister’s XI: Nathan McSweeney (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Nathan McAndrew, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster