Australia T20 squad for New Zealand series announced; Marcus Stoinis returns

Australia have named a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series in New Zealand. Senior all-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the national T20I setup after more than 10 months out, giving him another opportunity to stake his claim ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in the subcontinent.

Several key players will be absent for the upcoming T20I tour. Pat Cummins has been rested to manage a back issue ahead of the home Ashes series. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis will miss the tour due to paternity leave, as he and his wife Connie are expecting their first child.

The retirement of veteran left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has created a gap in the pace attack, while all-rounder Cameron Green has been left out to focus on Sheffield Shield cricket as he works toward returning to bowling.

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Marcus Stoinis Returns as Australia Name 14-Member Squad for New Zealand T20I Series

Mitchell Marsh will lead the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Marcus Stoinis, who retired from ODIs earlier this year and had been without a national or state contract for the past 12 months, last played for Australia in November 2024 but has been included in the squad.

Stoinis has scored 1,245 runs and taken 45 wickets in 74 T20Is. He last featured against Pakistan in Hobart, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 27 balls to guide the Aussies to a comfortable chase. The six-day New Zealand tour will serve as a key platform for players to stake their claim for the World Cup squad.

Matthew Short and Mitchell Owen have also been included. Short returns after recovering from a side strain sustained during training in Jamaica, while Owen rejoins the side following a concussion that kept him out of the South Africa series.

Cricket Australia Confirms Cameron Green’s Absence from T20I Squad

Xavier Bartlett has been recalled, while backup keeper Alex Carey and all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who were called up as injury replacements for the South Africa series, miss out. Left-armer Ben Dwarshuis has retained his place in the squad after strong showings in the Caribbean and against South Africa.

According to a release shared by Cricket Australia, “Aussie selectors announced a 14-player squad for the whirlwind six-day trip to Mount Maunganui, which followed the shock retirement of Mitchell Starc from T20 internationals."

"Men’s Test and one-day international captain Pat Cummins will also miss the tour to manage a back issue in preparation for a blockbuster Ashes summer, while Nathan Ellis will be on paternity leave with wife Connie expecting the couple’s first child."

“Xavier Bartlett also returns to the T20 squad with Cameron Green to prioritise the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia as a return to bowling looms ahead of the five-Test Ashes series," the release added.

Australia T20 squad vs New Zealand:

Mitchell Marsh (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

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