England to face Prime Minister’s XI in pink-ball clash ahead of Ashes day-night Test

An England XI is set to take on the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day pink-ball match at Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 29 and 30, providing vital preparation ahead of the day-night Ashes Test in Brisbane. The fixture will be played between the first two Tests of the series, following the opener in Perth and before the second Test in Brisbane.

Traditionally a one-day affair, the PM’s XI match transitioned to a multi-day format in the 2022–23 season, when West Indies were the opposition. Last year, the fixture was scheduled as a two-day game against India, but persistent rain saw it reduced to a one-day contest. Despite that, the match had significant implications, with Sam Konstas scoring a century that eventually earned him a Test call-up for the MCG.

This season, the day-night Test will take place in Brisbane instead of its usual venue, Adelaide Oval, making the pink-ball fixture in Canberra even more critical for England’s acclimatisation to match conditions under lights.

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The PM’s XI match will be England’s only fixture outside of the five Ashes Tests once the series begins. Ahead of the Perth Test, England will hold a three-day warm-up game against the England Lions at Lilac Hill, Perth, though it is expected to feature centre-wicket practice rather than being a full match.

Unlike the England Lions’ games against a Cricket Australia XI and Australia A, which run concurrently with the first two Ashes Tests, the PM’s XI fixture does not clash with the Sheffield Shield, allowing for greater flexibility in team selection. Cricket.com.au reported that tickets for the opening day have already sold out.

"An Ashes series is something every cricket fan looks forward to. Like many Australians I grew up admiring, and begrudging, the brilliance of players like Ian Botham, David Gower, and Graham Gooch,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"I look forward to meeting with the selectors to finalise a PM's XI squad that showcases the best available talent from across Australia to take on the strong English team," he added.