West Indies to face Prime Minister's XI

Cricket Australia today announced details of the 32nd Prime Minister's XI match to be played at Manuka Oval against the West Indies on 4 February 2010.

The PM's XI is looking for its second consecutive win after the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd notched up his first as chief selector against New Zealand earlier this year with former Australian opener, Justin Langer, leading the team as captain.

Cricketing fans have seen the very best of the West Indies play against the PMs XI over the years with the likes of Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Viv Richards, Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd all having taken to the field at various times since the very first PMs XI match was played in 1951.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the match continues to play a vital role in the Australian summer of cricket and gives Canberra a chance to host another international sporting event.

"The Prime Minister's XI has evolved into one of the most enjoyable days on the cricketing calendar," Prime Minister Rudd said.

"It serves as a chance to blood some of our best young talent on the international stage as well as honouring former champions of the Baggy Green."

"This year the side had a resounding win against New Zealand and I look forward to seeing if they can make it two in a row against the touring West Indies side."

ACT Cricket CEO Mark Vergano said this iconic match was invaluable to the promotion of cricket in Canberra and the region.

"There is great expectation about this year's Prime Minister's XI match against one of the world's most exciting one-day sides in the West Indies," Vergano said.

"The last time the West Indies played in this match in 2005 the Duckworth/Lewis method was used to decide the winner after we watched one of the fastest innings by Ramesh Sarwan who hit 90 off 73 balls. The 2010 match is certain to provide great entertainment once again."