Stephen Waugh to captain Prime Minister's XI against India

Cricket Australia today announced that Stephen Waugh will lead the Prime Minister's XI in the tour match against India at Canberra's Manuka Oval on 28 January.

Waugh, who accepted the Prime Minister's invitation last week, said he was looking forward to the challenge of leading the side against traditional rival India.

"It's a tremendous honour to be invited by the Prime Minister to captain his side against India," said Waugh.

"This annual match is becoming quite a popular fixture so it will be a great experience to be involved and of course I always enjoy playing at Manuka Oval.

"While the remainder of the Prime Minister's side has yet to be selected, it has traditionally featured some outstanding talent in Australian cricket and it's a good chance to lead a team outside a Test match or domestic game.

"Hopefully cricket fans in the nation's capital will get the chance to see some highly skilled and entertaining cricket.

"For me, of course, I thought I'd played my last match against India in Sydney earlier this month, but I guess I have another opportunity to face a very in-form team that will no doubt be looking to maintain its successful tour to date."

Waugh follows in the footsteps of his twin brother, Mark, who captained the Prime Minister's team against touring side England last year.

The Prime Minister's XI will be selected and announced in due course.