Gilchrist to captain Prime Minister's XI

Australian cricket team vice-captain Adam Gilchrist will captain the Prime Minister's XI against the West Indies at Manuka Oval in Canberra on December 7, the Australian Cricket Board announced on Tuesday.

Gilchrist, 29, the hard-hitting wicketkeeper/batsman who only made his Test debut 12 months ago, has played in 10 Tests, all won by Australia.

He averages 56.41 with the bat and has taken 45 catches with four stumpings.

"It's a huge honour to be asked to captain this side especially as I know there are some great names of the past who have filled the role," Gilchrist said in a statement on Tuesday.

The PM's XI game, traditionally used to foster young talent in an annual match against the touring side, will feature 10 young players with no Test experience including Victorian duo Brad Hodge and Matthew Inness.

Inness, a left-arm quick bowler, has taken 6-26 in successive matches against the Windies and South Australia while Hodge has made three centuries this first-class season including an unbeaten 134 against the Windies.

The team: Adam Gilchrist (captain), Sean Clingeleffer, Mark Higgs, Brad Hodge, Mathew Inness, Martin Love, Anthony McQuire, Jimmy Maher, Daniel Marsh, Don Nash, Paul Wilson, Cade Brown (12th man).

Mail Cricket Editor