1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. Cricket

July 29, 2025

England Set for Pink-Ball Prime Minister’s XI Clash in Canberra Ahead of Gabba Ashes Test

England Set for Pink-Ball Prime Minister’s XI Clash in Canberra Ahead of Gabba Ashes Test
Follow us on WhatsApp for latest updates!
WhatsApp

England’s touring squad will face the Australia Prime Minister’s XI in a historic two-day pink-ball fixture at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on 29–30 November, ahead of the day-night Test at the Gabba, starting 4 December.

Match Details & Significance

  • It’s the first multi-day meeting between England and the PM’s XI using the pink Kookaburra ball—a format introduced in the 2022–23 season.
     
  • Positioned between the opening Test in Perth and the Gabba day-night Test in Brisbane, the fixture offers England a crucial acclimatisation opportunity to pink-ball conditions in match settings.
     
  • The PM’s XI fixture replaces the traditional one-day game and dovetails neatly into Australia’s pink-ball Test preparations.
     

Preparation Through the Tour

  • Prior to the PM’s XI match, England will play an intra-squad three-day practice game against England Lions at Lilac Hill, Perth, from 13–15 November, to fine-tune strategy and match routines ahead of the series opener.
     
  • England Lions will continue their development fixtures alongside the Ashes Tests, including matches against a Cricket Australia XI and Australia A Team.
     

Cricket Tradition Reimagined

  • The PM’s XI game, a proud Australian cricketing tradition since 1951, now features regularly in multi-day tours, reflecting the evolving demands of international scheduling.
     

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has affirmed Cricket Australia’s intent to field a strong squad to face England and has committed to convening with selectors to finalise the team.


Related Post