Gillespie to lead against England

Gillespie aims to prove he can still be a force at Test level

Australia have given pace bowler Jason Gillespie a chance to stake a claim for a place in their side for the first Ashes Test against England.

He will captain a Prime Minister's XI against the tourists in a one-day game at Canberra on 10 November.

Gillespie has played 71 Tests but had a miserable time in last year's series in England, taking only three wickets.

"To be the leader of the first side to take on England is a real privilege," Gillespie commented.

With Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee certain selections for the first Ashes Test, which starts in Brisbane on 23 November, Gillespie is one of a handful of players vying for the third seamer's spot.

Another is South Australia team-mate Shaun Tait, who has also been named in a strong Prime Minister's side.

Apart from Gillespie and Tait, batsman Phil Jaques is the only other player included with Test experience, but vice-captain Cameron White and Mark Cosgrove have appeared in Australia's one-day side.

"This is an important game for England in the build-up to the Ashes series and gives a great platform to some of our younger talented players," said chief selector Andrew Hilditch.

England have a poor record against Prime Minister's XIs.

In 10 previous meetings, they have been beaten six times, most recently on their last tour in 2002 when they went down by four wickets.

Prime Minister's XI: J Gillespie (capt), C White (v-capt), T Birt, M Cosgrove, B Hilfenhaus, P Jaques, S Marsh, T Paine, A Ritchard, S Tait, A Voges.