Kevin Pietersen's hopes of facing England in a tour match next week have been scuppered after Chris Rogers was called up to captain an Australia Prime Minister's XI.
The 34-year-old, who saw his international cricket career controversially come to an end last year having been dropped by the England and Wales Cricket board, made himself "available" for the Canberra meeting at the Manuka Oval.
Veteran Ashes winner Mike Hussey suffered a calf injury which meant that a replacement captain had to be found, which led to Pietersen putting his name into the hat.
However, Australia Test opener Rogers was handed the 'prestigious' role in Hussey's absence.
Asked about Pietersen's eagerness to lead the side, Rogers is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "I think it was very ambitious. It's a hugely prestigious game, for the Prime Minister's XI. To give an opportunity to somebody who is not Australian is pretty ambitious.
"When sides tour England and we put out Lions teams we give opportunities to our youngest and best. I don't think it would have spiced up the game at all. It doesn't really bother me."
England warm up for the World Cup with a game against an ACT XI on Monday, before taking on the PM's representatives two days later.
