The Cricket Australia (CA) National Selection Panel (NSP) has today announced the Australia A XI to face England at Blundstone Arena from 6 – 9 November.
The Australia A XI to face England is:
Moises Henriques (Captain) NSW
Glenn Maxwell (Vice-Captain) VIC
Trent Copeland NSW
Ben Cutting QLD
Alex Doolan TAS
Callum Ferguson SA
Jon Holland VIC
Usman Khawaja QLD
Michael Klinger SA
Shaun Marsh WA
Tim Paine TAS
Commenting on the squad, National Selector John Inverarity said: “Between 6-9 November there will be seven Australian first-class teams in action. These 77 cricketers will be competing hard and performances in all matches will be closely monitored. It shapes as an exciting couple of weeks in Australian domestic cricket as we lead into the first Commonwealth Bank Ashes Test in Brisbane.”
“We have struck a balance in what we think is the appropriate Australia A team to face England, while ensuring individuals have a solid preparation and chance to impress.
“There were clearly a number of players under consideration to play for Australia A in this match, however we have long been aware that 77 cricketers would be playing across these four days and due to various circumstances we have balanced our interests with what we feel is in the best interests for each player, their preparation and chance to push for higher honours.
“While these next couple of rounds of Shield cricket are important, the NSP is well advanced in its planning around the squad for the first Test.
“Players returning from one-day duties in India and not named for Australia A may play in the Bupa Sheffield Shield fixtures played concurrently with the Australia A fixture if it is considered that it is in their interests and the interest of their States’ to be included.”
Commenting on the Australia A team leadership, Inverarity said: “Moises Henriques will have a significant leadership opportunity by captaining this team against England while Glenn Maxwell gets a chance to support Moises as the team’s vice-captain and will play an important role as the spin bowling all-rounder in the side.
“All of the top six batsmen have shown good form of late and will be looking to impress against a quality opposition as they strive for higher honours.”
The team will be coached by Ali De Winter with Graeme Hick as his assistant.