West Indies will again be part of one of cricket’s great traditions on the upcoming Test tour of Australia. As part of the preparations for the two-match series the visitors will have a four-day pink ball match against the Australia Prime Minister’s XI.
This will be played at Manuka Oval in Canberra from November 23-26. The day/night match will be played under lights and will recognise the anniversary of the inaugural fixture in 1951, also against the West Indies.
The match will also form part of the team’s preparations for the series against the Aussies, which will feature the first pink ball Test between the two teams. It will be played on December 8-12 at the Adelaide Oval following the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 30 to December 4.
The series will be contested for the prestigious Frank Worrell Trophy – named in honour of the legendary West Indies captain. It will also form part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Australia Prime Minister the Hon. Mr. Anthony Albanese said: “I am delighted to confirm the return of the Prime Minister’s XI this summer, an Australian tradition that spans 70 years. Along with Cricket Australia, I am very excited to be welcoming the West Indies. I grew up loving watching Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner, so I’m thrilled my first PM’s XI as Prime Minister will be against the current West Indies stars here in Canberra.”
West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite said: “We’re looking forward to this tour of Australia and there is great energy and readiness in our camp. The match against the Prime Minister’s XI is a major part of the cricket calendar and it will be an honour to lead the West Indies in such a prestigious match.”
He added: “My preparation has been going well. I’ve been home for a while so I have been able to do plenty of drills and fitness work as well as playing club cricket and other tournaments … spending time in the middle … for what will be a major tour for us. We have been playing some good Test cricket this year, with very good series wins against England and Bangladesh, and we want to make greater strides in the ICC World Test Championship table.”
MATCH SCHEDULE – West Indies Tour of Australia
November 23-26: v Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval, Canberra (day/night)
November 30 to December 4: 1st Test at Optus Stadium, Perth
December 8-12: 2nd Test at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (day/night)
