The man affectionately known as "Mr Cricket" was on Thursday named to lead the invitational side in the annual encounter against England at Manuka Oval on January 14.

Hussey, 39, retired from international cricket at the end of the 2012-13 summer.

He finished with 6235 runs from 79 Tests at an average of 51.52 with 19 centuries along with 185 one-day international appearances, netting 5442 runs at 48.15 and an impressive strike rate of 87.

Hussey has continued to play in domestic Twenty20 tournaments, both in Australia and in India, and will return for another season with the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League.

Hussey believes the PM's XI game still holds relevance in the crowded national calendar and hopes he can help youngsters take the next step in their careers.

"I'm really humbled, especially looking at the list of guys who have captained the team, guys like [Ricky] Ponting, Sir Donald Bradman, [Adam] Gilchrist, Steve Waugh," Hussey said.

"I played a couple of games when I was a youngster and I really enjoyed it.

"As a young player, when you're trying to make your mark in the game, it's a great opportunity to play against an international team on a bigger stage than the first-class scene.

"The motivation for the young players coming through is really high."

Hussey previously played for the PM's XI in 1997-98 against South Africa when he made 91, before scoring 18 in the 1999-2000 match against India.

The PM's XI game

Bateman's Bay product and former Wests/UC opening batsman Matt Condon will be a leading contender for that position after impressive performances for the ACT Comets this season.

Another in the mix is Canberra left-arm fast bowler Jason Behrendorff, the 24-year-old who has made every post a winner with Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield and the Matador Cup.

Hussey is keen for Behrendorff to be included.

"I reckon he's an outstanding prospect," Hussey said.

"The things I like about him is that he's been dominating the level below for a few seasons.

"I like guys who earn their place to play for Australia, and I think he's certainly doing that."

After a bumper crowd of more than 10,000 attended Wednesday night's ODI between Australia and South Africa, Cricket ACT chief executive Mark Vergano hopes Hussey's presence will lead to another strong turnout.

"It's been a different summer with one-dayers starting before the Test matches, so people are getting their head around the program," Vergano said.

"We've got to market the game, we've got to make it attractive and get out there and sell it, but we do have some clear air with the one-dayer being played and prior to the Big Bash League final [on January 28].

"It's a fantastic match and we'll be in the marketplace looking for people to support it as they've always done."