The Men’s Minor Multi-Day Match presents an intriguing red-ball encounter as the developing Cricket Australia XI host the experienced England Lions at the scenic Lilac Hill Park, Perth on 21 November. Scheduled for 02:20 UK, the match begins mid-morning for subcontinental viewers at 07:50 IST. With both sides using this fixture as a platform for long-format development, this contest promises disciplined bowling, technical batting, and patient cricket across multiple sessions in warm Western Australian conditions.
Form Guide
Cricket Australia XI
The CA XI squad, built largely from rising domestic talent, have shown notable improvement in recent long-format fixtures. Their top order has produced competitive opening stands, and their seam attack has grown more consistent with longer spells. However, sustaining pressure across all sessions remains a developmental challenge. Playing at Lilac Hill—where the pitch traditionally offers early seam and later bounce—gives the young Australians a valuable opportunity to test their adaptability.
- Young top order showing improving defensive technique and temperament.
- Seam bowlers delivering tighter channels with longer spells.
- Fielding discipline encouraging, with sharper cordon catching.
England Lions
The England Lions enter Perth with strong red-ball momentum. Their batters have delivered sustained partnerships, adapting well to unfamiliar conditions, while their seamers—known for accuracy and endurance—have built wicket-taking pressure deep into innings. The Lions’ depth and professional experience give them a structural advantage, particularly in multi-day formats where consistency is vital.
- Top order constructing reliable first-innings foundations.
- Seamers excelling with movement and stamina on hard surfaces.
- Spinners providing control and variation in middle sessions.
Key Players
Cricket Australia XI
- Campbell Kellaway – Dependable top-order batter with the technique to occupy the crease for long periods.
- Liam Haskett – Promising left-arm quick whose bounce and angle suit Perth conditions.
- Teague Wyllie – Compact young batter capable of steadying the middle order and grinding long innings.
England Lions
- Keaton Jennings – Experienced opener whose patience and red-ball awareness anchor the Lions’ batting.
- Matt Fisher – Skilled fast bowler offering swing, seam, and newfound pace.
- Jack Carson – Talented off-spinner capable of extracting turn and bounce as the surface ages.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Lilac Hill Park provides a classic Perth-style surface: firm, lively, and offering good carry. Seamers should benefit early from movement off the deck, while patient batters can cash in once the pitch eases during the afternoon sessions. Spinners come into play later in the match as the surface begins to roughen. Warm weather around 28°C is expected, with minimal wind and a low chance of rain—ideal for long-format cricket.
Cricket Australia XI vs England Lions – Prediction
The CA XI possess emerging talent capable of troubling higher-level opposition, especially if Campbell Kellaway or Teague Wyllie can anchor long stints at the crease. However, the Lions’ experience and depth give them a clear advantage. Keaton Jennings’ resilience at the top and Matt Fisher’s disciplined fast bowling should allow England to control key sessions. Expect spirited resistance from the hosts, but the Lions are likely to dictate the tempo and emerge victorious—potentially by a sizeable margin if they enforce scoreboard pressure early.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- Keaton Jennings – Reliable long-format run accumulator.
- Campbell Kellaway – Australia’s best bet for big innings value.
- Matt Fisher – Wicket-taking threat in helpful conditions.
