REVEALED: Albo Ditches PM's XI Match Against England For His Own Wedding

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Australia has today learned why the nation's leader was nowhere to be seen at the annual PM’s XI match in Canberra on Sunday, after it was revealed the Prime Minister chose to attend his own wedding instead.

The decision has been described by senior cricket officials as very disappointing but not surprising, given Anthony Albanese's well known casual enjoyment of the sport rather than any deep commitment to it.

The match at Manuka Oval saw England's touring second string outfit ease to an eight wicket first innings win, with four batters reaching half centuries. The only missing figure was the Prime Minister, who was hosting a small wedding of about 70 guests at The Lodge at the same time, according to official photographs and statements released on Saturday evening.

While the government has not commented on the scheduling clash, The Advocate can reveal several English players were in tears in the sheds after learning the PM would not be showing up to shake their hands and engage in light-hearted conversation. One England squad member said the group had been expecting at least a photograph, maybe even a few backslaps.

"We thought he might pop in before going to the reception," the player said.

Sources inside the England camp confirmed no apology or acknowledgement has been issued by the Prime Minister's Office regarding what team officials privately called a "brutally unAustralian snub."

Guests at the wedding reported the Prime Minister briefly took to the DJ booth before returning to hosting duties in what was described as a relaxed event.

PM’s XI captain Peter Handscomb said the team had received no explanation for the Prime Minister’s absence, adding only that England’s James Rew batted with impressive composure during his unbeaten 92.

"Yeah but," Handscomb said.

"But ah yeah nah we weren't expecting the big fella. I dunno if anyone's been to a PM's game since John Howard and I heard he used to come into the sheds and give instructions to the captain. They had to barricade the door after they got bowled out for 90 one time."

More to come.