Australia announces T20I squad for New Zealand tour; Mitchell Marsh to lead

On Tuesday, September 2, Cricket Australia chief selector George Bailey announced the 14-man T20I squad for the forthcoming New Zealand tour, which is scheduled to start on Wednesday, October 1 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

The major omission from the T20I squad is Mitchell Starc, who announced his immediate retirement from the shortest format of the game to focus on his Test and ODI career and stay fresh for the forthcoming campaigns. 

“Test cricket is and has always been my highest priority. I have loved every minute of every T20 game I have played for Australia, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not just because we won but the incredible group and the fun along the way,” Starc said.

“Looking ahead to an away Indian Test tour, the Ashes and an ODI World Cup in 2027, I feel this is my best way forward to remain fresh, fit and at my best for those campaigns. It also gives the bowling group time to prepare for the T20 World Cup in the matches leading into that tournament,” he added.

The Aussie squad includes left-armer Ben Dwarshuis, a standout against South Africa, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott. Nathan Ellis misses the tour for the birth of his and wife Connie’s first child.

Also, Mitch Owen returns from being concussed in the second game against South Africa with Matt Short named to return from a side strain. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the squad. Pat Cummins will miss the series as part of his ongoing management plan leading into the summer.

“Cummins was rested from recent T20 series against the West Indies and South Africa. Despite this planned de-load period, Cummins has experienced some ongoing lower back pain following the West Indies Test tour,” the CA statement read.

“Further investigation has identified a level of lumbar bone stress that will require further management over the coming months. Cummins won’t be considered for the upcoming limited-overs series against India and will continue his rehabilitation plan with a return to bowling to be determined as part of his Ashes preparation,” the statement concluded.

Australian T20I Squad for New Zealand series:

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

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