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Murphy earns PM’s XI selection

By Gregor Mactaggart

Nov 22, 2022

Capital adventure: Moama cricket export Todd Murphy will represent the Prime Minister’s XI against the West Indies. Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images Photo by Morgan Hancock

Moama cricket export Todd Murphy will feature when the Prime Minister’s XI takes on the West Indies from today at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

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The emerging spinner has been included in a PM’s XI line-up which contains five players with Test experience, including Murphy’s Victorian teammates Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb.

Murphy is one of two spinners in the team for the four-day clash, deemed a first-class contest for the first time in its history.

The 22-year-old is the front-line slow bowler in the team, but will get support from all-rounder Ashton Agar.

Murphy has taken 19 wickets in his five previous first-class appearances at the impressive average of 29.68.

Of interest will be how he bowls with the pink ball as the match is played as a day-night affair to provide the West Indies some valuable cricket ahead of the two-Test series against Australia.

The second Test of the series in Adelaide will be played under lights with a pink ball.

National selection chief George Bailey said the four-day format would provide the opportunity for players to press their claims for higher honours against a quality international opponent.

“It’s a very strong squad for this match consisting of our leading first-class performers and, for many of the players, offers further exposure to an international side after touring Sri Lanka earlier this year,” Bailey said.

“It’s an exciting game for them to continue the traditions of the Prime Minister’s XI, which is a great honour for any cricketer. It will be a historic contest also considering the very first Prime Minister’s XI match was against the West Indies 70 years ago.

“We thank Prime Minister (Anthony) Albanese for his input into the squad which he agrees is in line with the traditions of the match, with some of the country’s most exciting young cricketers mixed with some highly experienced players.”

Albanese said the Prime Minister’s XI fixture had “a rich history”.

“I want to thank Josh Inglis for taking on the role of captain and look forward to watching him lead a side which will compete strongly while remaining true to the traditions and values of the Prime Minister’s XI,” he said.

Prime Minister‘s XI squad: Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Peter Handscomb, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Harris, Henry Hunt, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee.