A talented squad led by a pair of experienced heads will tackle the Proteas at Manuka Oval
Bailey, Rogers reunite to lead PM's XI
Ashes winners George Bailey and Chris Rogers will lead a talented group pushing for higher honours when the Prime Ministers XI takes on South Africa in a one-day match later this month.
Captain Bailey and coach Rogers were part of Australia's 2013-14 Ashes whitewash and will unite again to guide a PM's XI that boasts internationals Nic Maddinson, Gurinder Sandhu and Jason Behrendorff as well as future stars in Jack Edwards, Max Bryant, Jason Sangha and Josh Philippe.
NSW Blues pair Ben Dwarshuis and Kurtis Patterson have been close to national selection in the past, with the speedster part of Australia's T20 squad last summer, while Patterson was a member of the Australia A squad that toured India in the winter.
The PM's XI face a Proteas outfit on October 31 in Canberra that is led by Faf du Plessis and spearheaded by rapid fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada ahead of their three-match Gillette ODI Series against Australia, starting in Perth on November 4.
“It’s pleasing to have a number of players who have represented Australia, led by George Bailey, and as in recent years there’s a good blend of experienced cricketers and some of the country’s best young players," said national selector Greg Chappell.
“On the batting front, there are four players aged 21 or under in Josh Philippe, Jack Edwards, Max Bryant and Jason Sangha. Josh, Jack and Max impressed with their performances in the JLT One-Day Cup, and this is a great chance to test them against an international line-up.
"Nic Maddinson represented Australia in T20 cricket only a couple of months ago, while Kurtis Patterson was part of our most recent Australia A squad that toured India.
“Gurinder Sandhu starred for Tasmania in the JLT One-Day Cup, finishing the tournament as the equal leading wicket-taker, and together with the likes of Jason Behrendorff, Ben Dwarshuis and Usman Qadir provides a bowling attack capable of challenging South Africa.”
Prime Minister's XI: George Bailey (c), Jason Behrendorff, Max Bryant Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Nic Maddinson, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Usman Qadir Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Tom Engelbrecht (12th)