Joint statement by the Prime Minister The Hon. John Howard MP and The Chairman of ATSIC Mr Geoff Clark
One of the world's best one-day international cricketers Michael Bevan will lead the Prime Minister's XI in a rematch against the ATSIC Chairman's XI in Canberra on Friday 8 March.
Indigenous batsman Matthew Bradley will lead the ATSIC Chairman's XI. Matthew was on-field captain last year, deputising for an injured Jason Gillespie.
"We are delighted to be hosting this return match," Mr Howard and Mr Clark said today.
"Last year's inaugural match effectively highlighted the pioneering role of Indigenous cricketers in our history and provided a showcase for reconciliation. We look forward to building on the impetus of the first match at Manuka Oval again this year," they added.
Mr Howard congratulated Mr Clark's initiative in proposing the match.
"The first match provided a wonderful opportunity for young Australian cricketers and promoted national goodwill," he added.
Mr Clark said he looked forward to a repeat of last year's result which had "proven Indigenous people could achieve anything given the right opportunities and a level playing field."
Mr Howard and Mr Clark said there were plans to make the match an annual showcase for young Indigenous and non Indigenous cricketers at different venues around the country.
Australian Cricket Board Chairman Bob Merriman said the match was an important part of the ACB's commitment to developing Indigenous cricket.
"The ACB is dedicated to ensuring cricket is increasingly accessible to Indigenous Australians and this match helps establish a profile for the game at this level," he said.
"The ACB has significantly increased its investment into Indigenous cricket to help establish new structures, increase participation and improve facilities."
| PRIME MINISTER'S XI | ATSIC CHAIRMAN'S XI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Bevan (c) | NSW | Matthew Bradley (c) | NSW |
| Daniel Christian | NSW | Damien Duroux | NSW |
| Michael Clarke | NSW | Troy Collard | WA |
| Xavier Doherty | TAS | Clinton Dann | WA |
| Barry Firebrace | VIC | Jacob Sarra | QLD |
| Brad Haddin | NSW | Glen Martin | QLD |
| Nathan Hauritz | QLD | Ryan Bulger | SA/ACT |
| Paul Rofe | SA | Ken Vowles | NT |
| Craig Simmons | WA | Ian Redpath | NT/VIC |
| Mike Smith | SA | Peter Thomas | SA |
| Cameron White (v-c) | VIC | Sean Gower | TAS |
| Jack Smith (12th man) | ACT | Timothy Dann | WA |
Bevan will captain a side boasting some of Australia's best young first-class cricket talent and representatives from Australia's World Champion under-19 team.
One of those under-19 representatives is New South Welshman Daniel Christian. The all-rounder joins Victorian grade cricketer Barry Firebrace to make up the Indigenous representation in the Prime Minister's side.
The ATSIC Chairman's XI includes six members of last year's team which clinched victory and the coveted Johnny Mullagh trophy named after the star of the first Australian team – an all Aboriginal side – to tour England during 1868.
ATSIC Chairman's XI captain Bradley scored a solid 40 runs last year and the team also boasts Western Australian brothers Clinton and Timothy Dann who shared man of the match honours on opposing sides during the inaugural match.
ATSIC Chairman's XI team profiles can be viewed at www.atsic.gov.au. Prime Minister's XI profiles can be viewed at www.baggygreen.com.au.
© 2002 Australian Cricket Board
| Teams | Australia. |
| First Class Teams | Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia. |
| Players/Umpires | Michael Bevan, Matthew Bradley, Jason Gillespie, Daniel Christian, Michael Clarke, Xavier Doherty, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Paul Rofe, Craig Simmons, Mike Smith, Cameron White, Jack Smith, Ryan Bulger, Kenneth Vowles, Ian Redpath. |
| Grounds | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
| Internal Links | 2000/01 Johnny Mullagh Trophy. |
| External Links | ATSIC. |
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Results - Forthcoming Desktop Scoreboard |
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