Matt Renshaw to Lead Cricket Australia XI Against England in Warm-up Game

Australia Test opener Matt Renshaw will captain Cricket Australia side against England in the one-day tour game, the Australian cricket board announced on Thursday (January 4).

The left-handed batsman, who is yet to make his debut in One-Day Internationals, was dropped from the Australia squad for the ongoing Ashes after his poor run in the Sheffield Shield where he had failed to reach 20 runs in the last six innings before the squad got announced for the first two Tests.

His form in the last edition of JLT One-Day Cup was also poor, as he could manage only 70 runs in six innings.

But with most of country’s top players busy playing the Ashes and the Big Bash League, Renshaw got the much-needed opportunity to prove his worth again. Greg Chappell, national selector and national talent manager, said the selectors tried to compile the most competitive team possible from the available players.

The 12-member squad also has highly-rated pacer like Chadd Sayers and 17-year old Victorian batsman Mackenzie Harvey, nephew of former Australia ODI player Ian Harvey.

“We’ve tried to get the most competitive team possible, bearing in mind Australian and BBL commitments,” Chappell said. “It’s great to have the quality and experience of Matt Renshaw and Chadd Sayers in the side, and also five others who have played Sheffield Shield cricket this season, including Travis Dean, Jake Doran and John Dalton.

“Five members of this squad represented the CA XI in the JLT One-Day Cup, including Jake Carder and Harry Nielsen who both performed well, and it’s pleasing to be able to give them all another opportunity.

“Mackenzie Harvey is just 17 years old but is a very exciting prospect. He underlined his class and potential with a century at Under 19 level against Pakistan last month and will be eligible for the 2020 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup.

“This is a quality opportunity for all players involved, and hopefully this side will give England a good test ahead of the series against Australia,” he added.

The squad will be mentored by former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin while bowling legend Glenn McGrath will serve as assistant coach. The game will be played on January 11 in Sydney.

CA XI Squad:

Matt Renshaw (c), Gabe Bell, Jake Carder, John Dalton, Travis Dean, Jake Doran, Daniel Fallins, David Grant, Mackenzie Harvey, Harry Nielsen, Ben Pengelley, Chadd Sayers.

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