Australian Test wicket keeper Brad Haddin will return to where he began his cricketing career to lead the Prime Minister’s XI against Sri Lanka in early February.
Haddin will lead a team that includes Test teammate and fellow Canberra local Nathan Lyon as well as some of Australia’s most exciting talent in the lead up to the Commonwealth Bank Series.
Having moved to Queanbeyan in 1989 at the age of 12, Haddin played for the Queanbeyan Junior Cricket Association to the age of 15 before joining the Australian National University (ANU) Grade Cricket Club, representing 1st grade at age 16. He played all of his junior representative cricket with the ACT before progressing to the Canberra Comets squad where he played for two years.
It will be Haddin’s fourth appearance in the Prime Minister’s XI team having played against India (1999/2000), New Zealand (2001/02) and England (2002/03) and been 12th man twice. The full squad is:
Brad Haddin (Captain) NSW
Peter Forrest (VC) QLD
Wes Robinson WA
Mitchell Marsh WA
Adam Voges WA
Kurtis Patterson NSW
Dean Solway ACT
Nathan Coulter-Nile WA
Ben Cutting QLD
Michael Nesser QLD
Nathan Lyon SA
Aaron Ayre (12th man) ACT
Haddin said he was looking forward to returning home and leading a team of exciting talent.
“As a cricketer growing up in Canberra without the exposure to first-class cricket, the PM’s XI match was the one game I always looked forward to and always wanted to tick off as a player. To be named captain is an honour,” Haddin said.
“The team selected has some good form behind it and I hope to be able to get a win on the board. Having players like Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh and Adam Voges who all have international experience will go a long way to helping our chances too.
“It’s also important for players to put their name in front of the selectors and give themselves every opportunity to press for a place in the Australian side.
“I’m also excited about playing with Dean Solway, whose family was a strong supporter of mine while I played cricket in Canberra. Dean’s father has been a big influence on my career so it will be nice to walk on to the field with Dean and share this experience with the family.” Haddin said.
The match, to be played at Manuka Oval, will be Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s second as ‘chief selector’ who will be looking for a win after last year’s defeat to England.
“Canberra has had a busy summer of cricket already and I am looking forward to seeing yet another international team visit Manuka Oval for the PMs XI,” the Prime Minister said.
“I am thrilled to have a local in Brad Haddin captaining the team.
“The PM’s XI has proven to be the breeding ground for many of our current Test stars and I hope we might be able to add to the rise of James Pattinson from last year’s match.”
National Selection Panel Chairman John Inverarity said of the team announcement:
“The PM's XI game is a special fixture in the Australian cricket calendar. It provides a unique opportunity for many of the country’s most talented and promising youngsters to showcase their skills on the international stage.
“Brad Haddin as captain and Nathan Lyon are two of our Test players who will be returning to Canberra. Local fans will be especially keen to watch and catch up with them.
“Peter Forrest has been in very good form this season and has been named as vice-captain. Ben Cutting who was 12th man in the first Test match of the summer is returning from injury and will be keen to make his mark.”
Former Australian Team Manager Steve Bernard will also return to official duties for the match. Bernard retired from national duties after 13 years on the road with the Australian team but will again pick up team manager responsibilities for the annual fixture.
PM’s XI v Sri Lanka (Manuka Oval)
3 February 2012
Tickets on sale through Ticketek
Gates open: 8.30am
Match starts: 10am
Lunch: 1.3pm – 2.15pm
Approx Finish: 5.45pm
Thank you to Cricket Australia for this article.