Gilchrist to lead PM's XI

Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist will lead the Prime Minister's XI in its one-day match with the West Indies at Manuka Oval in Canberra on 7 December, it was announced today.

Gilchrist is the only player with Test experience in a twelve-man squad chosen by the National Selection Panel in consultation with the Prime Minister's office, but the line-up still boasts an impressive array of talent.

Among the batsmen chosen is Victorian Bushranger Brad Hodge. The 25 year-old right-hander has three first-class hundreds to his credit this season, including an unbeaten 134 against the West Indians, and his first-class aggregate of 494 runs is bettered only by Ricky Ponting.

Also included are Jimmy Maher and Martin Love of the Queensland Bulls and Daniel Marsh of Tasmanian Tigers, all with impressive scores behind them this summer.

The bowling attack includes Bushrangers' left-armer Mathew Inness, the joint-leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket this season with 22 victims, including a haul of 6-26 against the West Indians in Melbourne.

It is anticipated that Tasmanian Tigers' Sean Clingeleffer, who has toured England with the Australian under-19 squad, will keep wicket in the match.

The two ACT representatives in the match are 27 year-old right-hand top-order batsman Anthony McQuire and 23 year-old left-hand batsman Cade Brown, who will act as twelfth man.

In keeping with tradition the Prime Minister has nominated the captain, and commenting on his selection for the post Gilchrist said: "It's a huge honor to be asked to captain this side especially as I know there are some great names of the past who have filled the role.

"I'm really looking forward to leading the side out in such a prestigious fixture and I'm certain it's going to be a fantastic day of cricket."

Gilchrist's side will be trying to maintain the home side's recent record in the fixture that has seen it lose just two of its last twelve matches.

The West Indians were the first side to take part in the fixture, back in 1951, and will be playing against the Prime Minister's XI for the ninth time next month, the most by any touring team.

They will also be keen to improve on their record in the matches, which has seen them win just once (by 15 runs in 1984-85). The other matches between the two sides have seen one draw (1951-52), one tie (1960-61), three wins for the Prime Minister's XI (1983-84, 1992-93 and 1996-97) and two abandonments (1989-90 and 1995-96).

The new Bradman Stand at Manuka Oval, built with funding from both the ACT and Federal Governments, will also take place on the day of the match and is expected to be performed by the Prime Minister, the Honourable John Howard MP and ACT Chief Minister Gary Humphries.

Tickets for the match are still available through Ticketek on 02 62196666.

The team is: