NEW DELHI: In anticipation of the impending retirement of veteran opener David Warner, Australia's Test cricket selectors have enlisted the services of aspiring openers Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and Matt Renshaw for a crucial warm-up match against Pakistan.
The trio, along with three other Test-experienced players, finds a place in the Prime Minister's XI set to face Pakistan in a four-day red-ball encounter in Canberra next month, marking the commencement of the Australian summer.
The auditions for the opening spot gained significance as Warner signalled his retirement from the longer format after the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan, scheduled in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney from December 14. This paves the way for a potential vacancy alongside Usman Khawaja in the subsequent two Tests against the West Indies in mid-January.
The inclusion of all-rounder Cameron Green in the PM's XI lineup adds another layer to the narrative, as he aims to reclaim his Test spot after facing a downturn in form across all three formats in recent months.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey expressed satisfaction in providing an opportunity to leading first-class performers over multiple seasons to face high-quality international opposition. He emphasised the importance of building depth around the national red-ball squad, especially with a demanding workload of Test cricket awaiting the Australian team this summer.
PM's XI: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Nathan McAndrew, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster
(With inputs from AFP)
