Governor-General's XI match added to summer

Australia's leading female cricketers will feature in an annual Governor-General XI's match against touring teams, it was announced today.

The format hopes to replicate the success of the annual Prime Minister's XI match for men and will become a regular in the summer cricket fixture.

For 2016, a mix of experienced and talented Australians will take on the touring Indian women's team in a Twenty20 match at Sydney's Drummoyne Oval on Friday, 22 January.

The annual PM's XI was inaugurated by Sir Robert Menzies in 1951 and Australia's Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, hopes the female format will prove as durable and worthwhile.

"Australia's women cricketers are the best in the world. The Governor-General's XI is an opportunity to showcase many of these experienced and up-and-coming players against formidable international teams," said Cosgrove.

"My hope is that this annual match will encourage even more Australians to celebrate the skill, talent and determination of our nation's women cricketers."

Cosgrove will have a say in selection, in consultation with CA, and the squad will announced in the days leading up to the match. Entry to the match will be free with play commencing at 3.00pm.

CA Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the Governor-General's XI's match will become an annual celebration of women's cricket in Australia.

"Australian cricket is honoured that the Governor General has chosen to support the game in this way," said Sutherland.

"Our goal is to see cricket become the sport of choice for women and girls across the nation, whether as participants or fans, and this annual fixture is another important step in helping realise that vision.

"Almost a quarter of the 1.2 million Australians now playing cricket are women and girls and their numbers continue to grow rapidly. Drawing more females to the game, as players and fans, presents as the most significant opportunity for cricket to become incredibly strong and enduring.

The announcement of the Governor-General's XI fixture comes with the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars ranked the world's No.1 team in Test, one-day international and Twenty20 cricket, while this summer has seen the launch of the eight-team Rebel Women's Big Bash League that has been designed to create a clear participation pathway for girls and their families.

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