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Australia have confirmed their squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, a battle that comes at a crucial time with the next T20 World Cup on the horizon. All the three matches are scheduled to take place in Mount Maunganui and are expected to provide selectors with valuable insights into form, fitness, and squad balance as preparations intensify for the global event.
Marcus Stoinis returns to T20 setup
Veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is back in national colours, aiming to secure a place in Australia’s squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The 36-year-old has not held a Cricket Australia contract for the past year but has remained active in franchise cricket, turning out for Punjab Kings in the IPL and Trent Rockets in The Hundred—both teams reaching their respective finals.
Having retired from ODIs earlier in 2025, Stoinis’ last T20I appearance came in November 2024. He will face stiff competition from Tim David, Mitchell Owen and Cameron Green for a middle-order allrounder role. Green, however, will skip this tour to concentrate on domestic red-ball cricket ahead of the Ashes.
Also READ: Australian star pacer Mitchell Starc takes retirement from T20 Internationals
Injury boosts with Mitchell Owen and Matthew Short Back
Owen rejoins the squad after missing recent games against South Africa due to concussion. Short has also recovered from a side strain sustained during training in Jamaica. Their availability strengthens Australia’s batting and bowling depth ahead of the tour.
Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey and allrounder Aaron Hardie drop out after serving as injury replacements in South Africa, while pacer Nathan Ellis will be absent due to paternity leave.
Senior stars missing
Australia will be without a few senior names. Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 internationals, while regular skipper Pat Cummins is still recovering from a back injury.
Australia squad for New Zealand T20Is: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Also READ: 3 reasons behind Australia’s three consecutive ODI series defeats
