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First-time skipper Tim Paine acknowledges that leading the Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra’s Manuka Oval against England is an audition of sorts.
But the man touted as a future Australian Test captain insists he is feeling no pressure.
“It probably is a bit of an audition, but … that’s a long, long way away,” the 26-year-old said on the eve of the one-day clash in the nation’s capital.
“If I can get myself in a position to play enough cricket for Australia to even be considered for that job, then that would be fantastic.
“But as I said, that’s a long way off.”
Tasmania’s Paine has been the subject of growing speculation about his prospects, particularly given his appointment as leader of the PM’s side.
It also comes off the back of his selection as the vice-captain of the national T20 squad, a stunning result given he has only played three internationals in the format.
He also managed to usurp Test gloveman Brad Haddin as the squad’s wicketkeeper.
The spotlight will be hotter than ever as the one-day season gets underway while a place in Australia’s World Cup squad is also up for grabs.
Paine denies the attention has, or will, affect his focus.
“Not at all. I don’t think it’s changed anything for me,” he said.
“I’m very honoured to have the captaincy … and very proud, I suppose, to be spoken about by some of the great names of Australian cricket in that fashion.
“But it certainly hasn’t added any pressure.”
Paine said Australia’s recent Test form had opened up opportunities for the next generation and he will be ready, whatever that opportunity may be.
“I showed in (the 2009 tour of) India that my batting is probably up to Test level,” he said.
“But Brad is still the number one keeper in all formats … so any role that I can get to play in the Australian team I will grab with both hands.”
Paine made his Test debut against Pakistan just last July.
The young PM’s XI are desperate to make up for Australia’s humiliating Ashes defeat, but England’s skipper Paul Collingwood is confident the momentum is with the visitors.
Veteran fast bowler Brett Lee, who will be jockeying with many of his PM’s teammates for a spot in the World Cup side, believes he has plenty left to offer.
“Hopefully I can bring some experience, just bring a bit of different blood back in the team,” said Lee, who will be used in conjunction with NSW teammate Trent Copeland and Victoria’s James Pattinson.
“I’m ready to play.”
Lee is desperate to be back in the action after injury problems, having made his last appearance for Australia at a one-day international in India back in October 2009.
But he was coy on any speculation beyond next month’s World Cup.
“If I get chosen, great, if I don’t, I’ll work out plan B,” he said.
England captain Andrew Strauss will be rested for Monday’s match, with the skipper set to fly to Melbourne where he has a house, meaning Paul Collingwood will lead the team.
PRIME MINISTER’S XI: Tim Paine (capt), Callum Ferguson, Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Trent Copeland, Alex Keath, Usman Khawaja, Brett Lee, Tom Thornton, Nic Maddinson, James Pattinson, Josh Anderson (12th man).
ENGLAND (from): Paul Collingwood (capt), Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Steve Davies, Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Chris Tremlett, Jonathan Trott, Michael Yardy, Chris Woakes, Luke Wright. (Three to be omitted)
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