Blewett, Harris handed PM's XI coaching roles

Former Australia Test players Greg Blewett and Ryan Harris have been confirmed as head coach and assistant coach, respectively, of the Prime Minister’s XI and Cricket Australia XI that will take on New Zealand next week in Canberra.

The PM’s XI will play against New Zealand on Friday 23 October at Manuka Oval with former Australia star and Sydney Thunder captain Mike Hussey leading the home side before the visitors take on the CA XI in a two-day tour match starting the following day.

The 50-over PM’s XI contest will feature a pink ball as the Black Caps continue their preparations for the inaugural day-night Test match at the Adelaide Oval on November 27.

Blewett, who played in three PM’s XI sides, including one against New Zealand when he served as captain in 2001, said he was honoured to be coaching the two squads in what will be New Zealand’s first matches on Australian soil this summer.

"It’s going to be a great experience. This is my first time as a head coach and there isn’t a huge amount of preparation going into the match with everyone assembling just one day before," Blewett said.

"I’ll be looking to keep a positive atmosphere amongst the boys and encourage them to play their own game.

"Manuka Oval is a great ground to play on. It’s a good outfield and the pitch offers the batsman quite a bit so I’d expect some big scores."

Image Id: ~/media/9E630973A7E34C198FE40E2D5DABBA86

Harris has been on the mic since retiring from Test cricket this winter // Getty Images

Harris, who has been nominated as assistant to Blewett, was also excited to be coaching the two squads in Canberra next week.

"It’s a fantastic occasion. I’ve never been part of a PM’s game - it’s exciting particularly given we will get to meet a new Prime Minister," Harris said.

"I would’ve loved to play in the Prime Minister’s XI; to represent your Prime Minister against another side was a goal of mine.

"It’s great Canberra is getting more cricket. We are using the pink ball so that will be a spectacle too, and it’ll be important to hear the player feedback as we get closer to the day-night Test.

"The team has traditionally been a mixture of experienced and young guys coming through. It’s very important to get out and support and I really hope to see plenty of Canberrans out there,” concluded Harris.

The playing squads are expected to be named next week, with the PM’s XI match to be live streamed on cricket.com.au.