Michael Hussey to lead PM XI against England

Sydney: Former Test batsman Mike Hussey will captain the Prime Minister`s XI against England in Canberra early next year, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

Hussey, 39, who retired in 2013, played 79 Tests for Australia and 185 one-day internationals.

The match will take place on January 14 at Manuka Oval, four days before England`s opening clash of the tri-one-day series against Australia and India.

"It`s a tremendous honour to be selected to captain the Prime Minister`s XI," Hussey said.

"Having played in the Prime Minister`s XI before, I know how important this fixture is on the Australian cricketing calendar, and it is a great tradition."

In the past two years, Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee captained the team.

The rest of the XI will be chosen by Cricket Australia`s selection panel with input from Prime Minister Tony Abbott in the coming weeks.