Melbourne, 2 September (Kiran News): Australia has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming T20 International series against New Zealand, marking the return of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, and Xavier Bartlett have also made their way back into the squad, further strengthening Stoinis’s bid for a spot in next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The 36-year-old Stoinis has not held a central or state contract for the past year and last played for Australia in November 2024. Earlier this year, he retired from ODI cricket but has remained active in T20 leagues, playing key roles for Punjab Kings in the IPL and Trent Rockets in The Hundred, helping both teams reach the finals.
Securing a place in the World Cup squad, however, will not be easy for Stoinis, with competition from other middle-order all-rounders such as Cameron Green, Tim David, and Mitch Owen. Green will not feature in the New Zealand series as he is focusing on domestic Sheffield Shield cricket to prepare for the home Ashes. Owen has returned to the squad after recovering from a concussion injury.
Matthew Short also returns after overcoming a side strain. Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie, who were called up for the South Africa tour as injury replacements, have been omitted. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis will miss the tour due to paternity leave.
Two major players will be absent from this tour—Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20 cricket, and Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury and preparing for the Ashes.
The three-match T20 series will be played in Mount Maunganui on 1, 3, and 4 October.
Australia’s T20 Squad vs New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (Captain), 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.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.