Strong 15-man Australia team named for T20Is against New Zealand includes the return of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood

For their next Twenty20 International Series against New Zealand, Australia has picked a potent 15-man lineup led by the return of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

Hazlewood had already said that Australia will choose a full-strength squad taking into account the strength of the Black Caps after the second ODI against the West Indies.

Following their last appearance in the format at the 2022 T20 World Cup held in their own country, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc have rejoined the T20 lineup.

Despite Cummins being on the team, Mitchell Marsh has been appointed the series captain. Resuming national service upon his return after his ILT20–2024 spell is David Warner, who has retired from Tests and ODIs.

Australia’s last assignment in the format before to the 2018 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) will be the series against the Kiwis.

The chairman of selections, George Bailey, said that Australia is focused on the major event.

After the series against the West Indies, “Travis, Pat, Mitchell, and Steve rejoin the squad, with Jason Behrendorff and Sean Abbott among the standby players from those playing the upcoming T20s,” Bailey said.

“We will have the chance to begin forming our thoughts on the composition of our World Cup team and possible positions within it over the course of the next six games.

Bailey said, “We will also make the most of the chance to keep an eye on and witness the performances of the Australian players in the IPL leading up to the World Cup.”

Australia and New Zealand will play a Twenty20 International series from February 21 to February 25. Auckland and Wellington will host the competitions.

Australia’s T20I team vs New Zealand
Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Marsh (c).