Resurgent Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins will use his selection in the Prime Minister's XI as a valuable hit-out against international opposition and hopefully a warm-up to the World Cup.
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Cummins, hard-hitting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and in-form Canberra left-armer Jason Behrendorff add oomph to captain Michael Hussey's side for the one-dayer with England at Manuka Oval on January 14.
Promising 18-year-old ACT Comets batsman Matt Condon has earnt the spot designated for a local player, while Papua New Guinea's Lega Siaka will become the fifth overseas player to represent the PM's XI in the team's history.
Australia is expected to name its 15-man squad for the World Cup on Sunday, with Cummins, Maxwell and Behrendorff all in contention.
Cummins would appear to be the most likely having been reintroduced to the Australian ODI team in a series with South Africa last November.
After being sidelined for two years through injury, mainly with his back, Cummins has bowled strongly in the shorter format with Australia and the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash.
"I'm really happy with how it's all going," Cummins said. "I've played a lot of games in the last couple of months and a lot of cricket.
"I think just every time I bowl I start to know my game a little bit better and it's coming out a bit smoother."
The 21-year-old is one of the most exciting fast bowling prospects in the country, and national selectors will be pleased with his progress.
"Just to get back in the Australian side and to play games in Australia was really exciting and more than I could have hoped for," Cummins said. "It reaffirmed how much I wanted to get back and stay in that side.
"I haven't played a one-dayer in a couple of months so hopefully I can try and impress at the PM's XI game."
Cricket Australia national talent manager Greg Chappell said Cummins was showing why he's been so highly regarded after making his Test debut as an 18-year-old in 2011.
"He's demonstrated the ability to trouble the very best players, so that's always encouraging," Chappell said. "History tells you that genuine fast bowling is troublesome for most players.
"He's had a few injury setbacks, but that's understandable for a young fast bowler, particularly for one who bowls at top speed.
"He's been frustrated like anyone else would be in that situation, but he's been determined to do whatever was necessary in regard to his rehab and get himself back playing."
Behrendorff has been rewarded for his fantastic form for both the Perth Scorchers and WA.
As of Monday, the 24-year-old was the leading wicket-taker in the BBL with eight wickets from four games at an average of 11.88 and an economy rate of 5.94.
It will be his second PM's XI game after playing as a 19-year-old in 2009 alongside his now-Scorchers and WA coach Justin Langer.
Maxwell is still in the mix for the World Cup despite failing to score many runs in the BBL.
He became a YouTube sensation last month when he left a ball that hit the stumps in a BBL game while playing for the Melbourne Stars against the Brisbane Heat.
Weston Creek Molonglo teenage leg-spinner Mac Wright is 12th man for the PM's XI.
England will also play an ACT XI at Manuka Oval on Monday.
PM's XI team: Mike Hussey (c, WA), Cameron Bancroft (WA), Jason Behrendorff (WA), Matt Condon (ACT), Pat Cummins (NSW), Jake Doran (wk, NSW), Peter Handscomb (VIC), Simon Mackin (WA), Glenn Maxwell (VIC), David Moody (WA), Lega Siaka (PNG), Mac Wright (ACT, 12th man).
* The PM's XI v England game will be at Manuka Oval on Wednesday, January 14, 2.20pm. Tickets from Ticketek.
