The Prime Minister’s XI, an invitational Australian cricket team, is preparing for a highly anticipated match this weekend at Manuka Oval in Canberra. This call would be the fourth match under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership. He hand picks the team along with national selectors.
Peter Handscomb, who experienced over 5,000 first-class runs and 20 Tests with Australia, will lead the squad. He served as the last member of the last Prime Minister’s XI, which played England in a 20-over match back in 2018. Handscomb’s international experience will be key to the young team as they make their debut against Argentina this weekend.
In addition to the young stars, there are experienced hands in the 2025 Prime Minister’s XI. Stand out performers have included pace bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts and batter Jacob Bethell. Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney have both represented Australia in Test cricket. Their experience really deepens the talent at both the front and backup positions. The remainder of the squad is filled with uncapped players who have never played for their country. They feature an abundance of promising talent, emerging from grade cricket in Canberra and state-level competitions.
Since Mr Albanese came to power, the Prime Minister’s XI has played a number of strong matches. His team managed a four-day draw against the West Indies in 2022 and one against Pakistan in 2023. The only previous appearance they had made in the format, last year against India in a one-day match, ended in a six-wicket loss.
The veteran Siddle has a notable profile, he and Moore offer experience in other ways. Now at 41, he has marshalled the Australian attack in 67 Test matches. As the only veteran on the team, his veteran presence will surely give the young and dumb (in a good way) Nuggets his helpful insights.
At its core, the Prime Minister’s XI tradition serves to showcase emerging talent and potential on the cricket field. It deepens the connection between the sport and the movement. Matches are usually played at the stunning Manuka Oval, further cementing the Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) Canberra’s growing reputation as a centre for sport.
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