The former Yenda cricketer was announced as the leader of the fourth edition of the annual fixture by Peter Cosgrove on Thursday

Blackwell retired from international and state duties last summer, having played 251 games across all three formats for her country, as well as being a part of 14 Women's National Cricket League titles with NSW.

She said it was an honour to be named captain of the concept which puts Australia’s emerging talent in the spotlight.

"This opportunity to play in the Governor-General XI's for many emerging young Australian cricketers and to test themselves against the New Zealand ODI team will be a great addition in their elite pathway," she said. 

The concept follows in the tradition of the Prime Minister's XI with this year's game will be against New Zealand at Drummoyne Oval on February 24.