Queensland Bulls pace ace Michael Neser headlines a strong maroon flavour to the Ashes build-up, with squads named for a variety of matches over the next few weeks.
Bulls Gain National Exposure
Neser, who performed strongly alongside fellow Australian contender Matt Renshaw in the one-wicket Sheffield Shield loss to Western Australia on Friday, was included in the squad to prepare for the First NRMA Test of the Ashes series in Perth after fellow quick Josh Hazlewood (hamstring) was ruled out on the weekend.
Renshaw's first innings century against WA was another relevant reminder that he remains well and truly in the mix for a Test call-up at some point in the future.
Neser, who has played two Tests, was earmarked by many pundits as being a strong contender for the second day/night Gabba Test match at the start of next month and he will now have his chance to provide back-up for the opening Test of the series.
Elsewhere, other Bulls squad players will have playing opportunites as part of of the touring match schedule.
Redlands off-spinner Jack Sinfield, who has been in fine fettle so far this summer at Second XI and Premier Cricket level, will play for the CA XI in a three-day match against the England Lions touring squad from Friday at Lilac Hill in Perth.
Canberra products Benji Floros and Sam Skelly will have the chance to play in from of their home crowd later this month, included today in the Prime Minister's XI to play England in a two-day, day/night game at Manuka Oval.
Floros (Valley) and Skelly (Norths) have both be in action for the Bulls this summer, with the pace bowling pair making State debuts in one-day and first class cricket this summer respectively.
Bulls allrounder Hugh Weibgen, who also made his one day and Shield debuts for Queensland this season, has also been included in the PM's XI squad.
The Bulls will be back in action at the Gabba from this weekend for the day/night Shield game against runaway competition leaders Victoria. Play starts on Saturday and continues through until Tuesday.
Cricket Australia XI squad to play England Lions (November 21-24 at Lilac Hill)
Mackenzie Harvey (c), Charlie Anderson, Liam Blackford, Xavier Crone, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron McClure, Aidan O’Connor, Nivethan Radhakrishnan, Jhye Richardson, Jake Scott, Jack Sinfield, Teague Wyllie (one Test squad member to be added)
Prime Minister's XI to face England, Nov 29-30, Manuka Oval:
Peter Handscomb (c), Benji Floros, Campbell Kellaway, Campbell Thompson, Charlie Anderson, Doug Warren, Hugh Weibgen, Joel Curtis, Nathan McSweeney, Oliver Peake, Peter Siddle, Sam Konstas, Sam Skelly.