Alex Gregory named captain of newly-formed Cricket Australia XI for Matador Cup 2015-16

Alex Gregory named captain of newly-formed CA XI for Matador Cup 2015-16

Alex Gregory has been appointed the captain of the Cricket Australia (CA) XI, the team of which makes its first-ever appearance in the Matador One-Day Cup which starts next month. As many as eight emerging Australian players could make their one-day domestic debuts as a result of the creation of the team for the first time in its 46-year history. Skipper Gregory has played for the West End Redbacks in the Matador Cup in the past, with several other players in the side having had some major opportunity or another come along their way. The CA XI was meant to give an opportunity to players from all parts of the country who haven’t been selected by their respective states.

The idea behind it was to make sure the next generation of cricketers were going to get the opportunities they need to keep their development going. There will be some familiar names from having played a little bit of first class cricket or a little bit of 50-over cricket for their state previously,” Greg Chappell, CA National Talent Manager, was quoted as saying according to a report on cricket.com.au.

“They are the ones the public can start looking at with the view to perhaps watching them grow over the next few years, get into their State sides and hopefully go on to represent Australia.

The one-day tournament has traditionally featured teams based on the six Australian states, with the New Zealand national cricket team and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) team making brief appearances during the period.

Cricket Australia XI squad: Sam Heazlett, James Pierson, Ben McDermott, Seb Gotch, Matthew Short, Alex Gregory (c), Jack Wildermuth, Jhye Richardson, Liam Hatcher, Mitch Swepson, Hilton Cartwright, Riley Ayre, Matthew Dixon, James Bazley.