MELBOURNE, Australia (Kashmir English): Australia have unveiled a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against New Zealand, with allrounder Marcus Stoinis making a much-anticipated comeback.
Stoinis, who retired from ODIs earlier this year, last played for Australia in late 2024. His return strengthens the middle order and provides valuable experience to the squad.
The series will be played next month in Mount Maunganui, a suburb in the North Island, New Zealand.
The team also sees the return of Mitchell Owen and Matthew Short, who has recovered from a side strain sustained during training in Jamaica earlier this year.
Selectors have chosen to rest captain Pat Cummins as he is recovering from a back injury ahead of the home Ashes summer.
Fast bowler Nathan Ellis will also be unavailable for being on paternity leave.
Xavier Bartlett got a recall, while allrounder Aaron Hardie — who were last-minute replacement in the South Africa series — is not part of the squad.
The absence of Mitchell Starc, who recently retired from T20I, opens up opportunities for other fast bowlers.
The three-match T20I series will begin on October 1 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, with the second and third match scheduled for October 3 and October 4 at the same venue.
Australia squad for New Zealand T20I series
Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Fixtures
First T20I: October 1, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Second T20I: October 3, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Third T20I: October 4, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
