Victoria veteran Pete Handscomb has been chosen to mentor a side with international players Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney and Peter Siddle as well as upcoming stars such as Oliver Peake and Hugh Weibgen, who have impressed on the domestic circuit.
The two-day practice match in Canberra will be played under lights with a pink ball on the weekend of November 29-30, halfway through the first and second Ashes Tests, and the England XI opposition is expected to consist of members of England's 'A' team (England Lions) as well as perhaps a couple of Ashes squad members outside the first XI.
Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine has been chosen to lead the team, which was chosen by Cricket Australia head selector George Bailey in consultation with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“We’ve selected a squad that strikes a balance between youth, experience, and opportunity," Bailey said in a media release on Monday morning.
"Peter Handscomb, who will captain the team, and Peter Siddle will provide valuable experience around the team for the occasion.
“This match has a rich history within the broader men’s program, and this year will be especially exciting with the men’s Ashes underway at that point.
“It’s a chance to build depth, reward performance, and provide valuable exposure and experience against international competition.”
Albanese said he was "thrilled" to name his fourth Prime Minister's XI and will be hoping for his first victory, with Scott Morrison the only PM since Julia Gillard in 2012/13 to oversee a PM's XI victory.
"This team showcases the depth of talent in our domestic cricket system, and I’m particularly excited to see some of our emerging stars earn this opportunity," Albanese stated.
“It’s a fantastic stage for players to test themselves against international opposition and for fans to enjoy top-quality pink-ball cricket in Canberra.
“I am also looking forward to the Ashes commencing in Perth from 21 November, it’s the oldest rivalry in world cricket - Australia and England in an Ashes Series always means something extra.”
13-man Prime Minister's XI squad to face England XI:
Peter Handscomb (VIC) (c), Benji Floros (ACT), Campbell Kellaway (VIC), Campbell Thompson (SA), Charlie Anderson (NSW), Doug Warren (VIC), Hugh Weibgen (QLD), Joel Curtis (WA), Nathan McSweeney (SA), Oliver Peake (VIC), Peter Siddle (VIC), Sam Konstas (NSW), Sam Skelly (ACT)