Peter Siddle, Dan Christian To Co-Captain Prime Minister's XI For 1st Time In Cricketing History

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that while naming co-captains was a break from the Prime Minister's XI tradition

For the first time in the history of cricket, two players will be leading a team together in an upcoming fixture. Australian quick Peter Siddle and all-rounder Daniel Christian appointed as the first-ever co-captains of the Prime Minister's XI a T20 fixture against Sri Lanka at Canberra's Manuka Oval next month. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that while naming co-captains was a break from the Prime Minister's XI tradition and both players would be outstanding representatives. “Peter and Dan have not only been outstanding cricketers over a number of years, but they have also been ambassadors and leaders of the game domestically and overseas,” the Prime Minister said. “I want to thank Peter and Dan for taking on the role of co-captains so that they can mentor the younger members of the squad who will likely be a mix of players on the cusp of selection at state or international level,” he added. Cricket Australia national talent manager Greg Chappell said both players were well deserving of the honour to captain the Prime Minister's XI. “Dan has a wealth of leadership experience at the domestic level both at home and abroad while Peter has displayed exceptional leadership qualities both on and off the field throughout his career,” Chappell said. The Prime Minister's XI will play against Sri Lanka at Manuka Oval on October 24. Originally from the Latrobe Valley in Victoria, 34-year-old Siddle was a member of Aussies Test squad which recently retained the Ashes in England. Siddle featured in the recently concluded Ashes series and has established himself as one of the premier bowlers in the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Adelaide Strikers. Christian, on the other hand, has forged a reputation over the past 15 years as one of the nation's leading players in the short format of the game.