Australia announce 14-member T20I squad for New Zealand series; Marcus Stoinis makes comeback, Cameron Green prioritises red-ball cricket ahead of Ashes

Almost a month ahead of the three-T20I series against New Zealand, Australia have named their 14-member T20I squad following Mitchell Starc's retirement from the format. Marcus Stoinis, who last played T20I against Pakistan in November 2024, has returned to the squad for the first time since announcing his ODI retirement.

Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen have come back for the New Zealand tour as well. Short was recovering from an injury during the home series against South Africa whereas Owen was concussed. Pacer Xavier Bartlett has returned to the mix as well.

Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie have been dropped the squad. Against South Africa, they were called up as replacements. Nathan Ellis will miss the series due to paternity leave whereas Cameron Green has been rested as he shifts his focus to red-ball cricket ahead of the Ashes at home. Green will represent Western Australia starting October 4 in their Sheffield Shield 2025-26 opener.

ALSO READ: Mitchell Starc announces shock retirement from T20Is to ‘remain fresh, fit’ for Test and ODI cricket

Cummins out of white-ball series

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins wasn't considered for selection as he experienced lumbar bone stress after the West Indies tour. He will miss the entire white-ball home series this year which also includes the ODI series against India in October.

Opportunity comes knocking in absence of Cummins and Ellis

In the absence of Cummins, Starc and Ellis, it is a big opportunity for Ben Dwarshuis, Bartlett and Sean Abbott to present their case for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India. Dwarshuis lacks Starc’s pace but has performed well of late. Also, Bartlett has done nothing wrong and continues to do well whenever he is given the opportunity. Abbott has not been able to cement his place in the playing XI and has often warmed benches.

The T20I series against New Zealand begins on October 1. All three matches will be played at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

Australia’s T20I squad for New Zealand -

Mitchell Marsh (c), 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