Ben Stokes-led England will face the Prime Minister's XI in a two-day pink-ball game to get used to the demanding and challenging day-night Ashes Test. Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the same on Tuesday, July 29. This is also the first time England will be facing PM XI's in a multi-day match, as opposed to always playing one-day games until the last Ashes series Down Under in the 2022-23 season.
The pink-ball Test is one match in which Australia are masters. They have only lost one pink-ball Test against the West Indies in 2024. Clearly, the former remembered that match and took revenge on the latter by dismissing them just to the 27-second ever lowest total in Test cricket history during the most recent Test series between West Indies & Australia. England would certainly need to produce their A game if they have to beat the hosts in the pink-ball Test.
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The match will be played at Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 29 and 30. Later, England will face Australia in the day-night Test just three days later at the Gabba in Brisbane, starting on December 4.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aiming to put a strong PM's XI to face England
Australian PM Anthony Albanese said he is excited to meet the selectors to finalize the PM XI's team to face Ben Stokes & Co. The PM also said he will make sure to produce the best side to give tough competition to the visitors.
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"I look forward to meeting with the selectors to finalize a PM's XI squad that showcases the best available talent from across Australia to take on the strong English team," Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
This will be England's second warm-up fixture after the first intra-squad clash against England Lions ahead of the Ashes opener Test in Perth.
