While Cricket ACT drools over the possibility of securing Australian captain Ricky Ponting for next year's Prime Minister's XI match, John Cope is more interested in the team's fringe players.
If anyone knows what it's like to be plucked from Canberra grade cricket and thrust into an international sporting arena it's Cope.
He still remembers walking on to Manuka Oval as a 23-year-old in 1961 alongside greats Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry and Ray Lindwall to play Sir Frank Worrell's West Indies.
''I didn't know what I was doing,'' 72-year-old Cope said.
''As I first stepped on to the ground [going out to bat] I remember thinking, 'Oh well, at least I can tell my grandchildren some day I was knocked unconscious by [fast bowler] Wes Hall.'''
Cope was on hand yesterday as Cricket ACT and the Prime Minister's office officially launched the PM's XI match to be played against the West Indies on February 4.
The make up of the PM's team and the marquee player to captain the side will not be known until late January.
Ponting has been flagged as a possible starter after he announced his retirement from international Twenty20 cricket last month.
Recently retired Test stars Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden are also possible captains. And with a chance to play alongside some of Australia's greats, the race to be one of the ACT players in the PM's XI is heating up.
Tuggeranong quick Jason Behrendorff and batsman Ashton May were part of the PM's squad last year while Ryan Carters was a stand-in wicketkeeper for New Zealand.
May, Tom Thornton, Ben Oakley and Nathan Lyon are just a few of the promising Canberra cricketers hoping for a dream call-up from Kevin Rudd.
When Cope got a telegram asking him to play from then-prime minister Sir Robert Menzies he was shocked.
But he went on to open the batting and make a respectable 38 before being caught on the boundary.
''I'd say to them, take every chance that comes your way,'' Cope said.
''This is an easy way to get your name out there, get people to notice you.
''When Ray Lindwall asked who wanted to open against Wes Hall, everyone's heads dropped and no one said anything.
''So I knew it was my chance to step up ... luckily Frank Worrell decided not to let big Wes open and I was up against some medium bowling instead.''
Cricket ACT chief executive Mark Vergano said having Canberra players on the field added extra spice to the fixture.
The West Indies are likely to field a near full-strength team for its Australian tour, including skipper Chris Gayle.
''The line of players that have kicked on post PM's XI is brilliant,'' Vergano said.
''Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Phil Jaques ... it's the cream of Australian young talent and Canberra's going to get a great show.''
FEBRUARY 4
Prime Minister's XI v West Indies at Manuka Oval. Tickets available through Ticketek.
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