Last Updated on 4 weeks by Charbel Coorey
New Zealand and Australia continue their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup with a three-match T20I series. Both teams are in good form, with New Zealand winning nine of 11 T20Is this year and Australia losing just two of 17 matches since the last T20 World Cup.
Australia, like the hosts, have some key squad changes. Nathan Ellis is unavailable due to paternity leave, while Josh Inglis – who has quickly become an important part of Australia’s T20I setup – was recently ruled out due to a calf injury. Cameron Green is also not in the squad as is focusing on red-ball cricket ahead of the Ashes.
Also, Glenn Maxwell is ruled out of the series after suffering a fractured forearm at training, and has been replaced in the squad by Josh Philippe. According to cricket.com.au, Maxwell copped a blow from Mitch Owen in the nets. The all-rounder will see a specialist over the coming days to assess the injury.
Australia squad for T20I series: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matt Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia possible 11 for opening T20I against New Zealand
1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Matt Short, 4. Tim David, 5. Alex Carey (wk), 6. Mitch Owen, 7. Marcus Stoinis, 8. Ben Dwarshuis, 9. Sean Abbott, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Josh Hazlewood
No Green, Inglis or Maxwell opens the door for Matt Short and Marcus Stoinis to slot into the Australia 11 for the opening T20I against New Zealand. Short missed Australia’s recent assignments against the West Indies and South Africa due to injuries, so he will be keen to make a mark with high competition for spots when everyone is available.
Alex Carey is expected to lineup with the keeper-batsman travelling to New Zealand soon after the sad news of his father’s passing. The left-hander will likely slot in the middle order.
Also, Australia have decisions to make around their bowling attack. The visitors will likely opt for Josh Hazlewood and Ben Dwarshuis to start, with the latter performing well in recent months. Sean Abbott is likeliest to join them with the 33-year-old often preferred over Xavier Bartlett.
All three T20Is in this series will be played in Mount Maunganui. The first kicks off on October 1, with the next two to take place on Friday and Saturday.
New Zealand vs Australia 2025 T20I series schedule
- 1st T20I, Mount Maunganui, Wednesday October 1, 6:15pm local time.
- 2nd T20I, Mount Maunganui, Friday October 3, 6:15pm local time.
- 3rd T20I, Mount Maunganui, Saturday October 4, 6:15pm local time.
