Dropped Australian opener Sam Konstas has been named in the Prime Minister’s XI to face England on November 29 in a two-day pink-ball warm-up match in Canberra, scheduled between the first and second Ashes Tests. The 20-year-old’s inclusion keeps him in the squad as a back-up option for Australia’s top order, while the match also gives England vital pink-ball practice ahead of the day-night Test in Brisbane, which starts on December 4.
Konstas is the star of a team that mixes promising youngsters with seasoned names, led by captain Peter Handscomb and experienced fast bowler Peter Siddle. Handscomb, who has played 20 Tests, will lead the team while former Australia captain Tim Paine has been appointed as coach. Siddle, who turns 41 during match week and has 67 Tests to his name, bolsters the bowling attack with his experience.
Nathan McSweeney, whom Konstas replaced to make his Test debut against India last summer also returns to the squad. There are three Under-19 World Cup winners in the group – Charlie Anderson, Oliver Peake and Hugh Weibgen – reflecting Australia’s focus on building depth.
Konstas’ recall comes after he was left out of the first Ashes Test following a tough Caribbean tour earlier this year. Despite this omission, selectors still view him as a long-term prospect, especially as Australia’s top-order moves into the latter stages of his career. His performance in Canberra will be closely watched.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the team had been selected to “balance youth, experience and opportunity”, adding that the game offered a chance to reward strong performances and expose emerging players to international opposition.
“We have selected a squad that has a balance of youth, experience and opportunity,” said chairman of selection George Bailey. “It’s a chance to build depth, reward performance and provide valuable exposure and experience in international competition.”
England will use the match as an important tune-up between the Perth Test and the second match at the Gabba, with Ben Stokes struggling to adapt to the conditions and the pink ball.
Premier XI Team: Peter Handscomb (captain), Benji Floros, Campbell Kellaway, Campbell Thompson, Charlie Anderson, Doug Warren, Hugh Weibgen, Joel Curtis, Nathan McSweeney, Oliver Peake, Peter Siddle, Sam Konstas and Sam Skelly.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
November 17, 2025
