Anxious to get veteran paceman Peter Siddle back in action, national selectors have confirmed he'll play in the Prime Minister's XI and Cricket Australia XI against New Zealand next week in Canberra.
Siddle was the hero of the fifth Ashes Test win at The Oval when recalled for his first match in that lost series.
But he has been unable to get a start for Victoria in this month's one-day cup competition in Sydney, to the frustration of Australian coach Darren Lehmann.
Chief selector Rodney Marsh on Friday announced Siddle as the second player named - after skipper Mike Hussey - for the PM's XI to give the Black Caps their tour opener on Thursday in a one-dayer at Manuka Oval.
And he is the first player named for the CA XI to play the tourists in a two-day match at the same ground that weekend ahead of their three-Test series against Australia.
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"Peter performed well at The Oval in the final Ashes Test and, as part of his preparation for the summer, we want to give him some high-standard match practice," said Marsh.
"These tour matches and the first round of the Sheffield Shield give Peter important opportunities to impress ahead of the Test series."
Siddle was delighted to get the early starts against New Zealand.
"It's truly an honour to be selected in the Prime Minister's side," he said. "I haven't played in that match before and I'm really looking forward to it and the following two-day tour match.
"This will give me a good opportunity to experience the pink ball as well as face off against New Zealand."
