Marcus Stoinis Returns in Australia T20I Squad (1)
Marcus Stoinis has earned a recall to Australia’s T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand, boosting his chances for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Stoinis, who missed the West Indies and South Africa series to play in the Hundred, remains firmly in contention for a World Cup role.
Stoinis is likely to compete for a middle-order finishing role, while his medium pace offers valuable depth. He has also been used with the new ball in past games. His return strengthens a squad that will miss Cameron Green, who instead plays in the Sheffield Shield as he works towards a bowling comeback.
Spencer Johnson Ruled Out, Mitchell Starc Absent
Nathan Ellis, who has become a vital part of Australia’s T20I pace attack, will also skip the New Zealand series as he awaits the birth of his first child. Despite being a different type of bowler to Mitchell Starc, Ellis is expected to feature prominently in the World Cup after Starc’s T20I retirement.
Mitchell Starc is a confirmed absentee from the tournament. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, once seen as Starc’s successor, has suffered a back injury during the IPL. Johnson has taken 14 wickets in eight T20Is but will be sidelined for the rest of the year.
“The latest update for Spencer is that it’ll be sometime in the new year that he’ll start to come back online again,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “What that looks like and at what point, I don’t think there’s anything definitive on that, still hoping that he can have an impact both domestically and potentially internationally towards the back end of the [season].”
Matthew Short Boosts Batting Options
Matthew Short also returns after recovering from a side strain. His comeback gives him another chance to cement a place in a strong batting line-up.
The three T20Is will be played in New Zealand on October 1, 3 and 4. Australia will then host five T20Is against India, their final series before the World Cup squad selection. The Big Bash League (BBL) could still provide a late chance for fringe players. Preparations will conclude with three matches in Pakistan in February.
Australia T20I squad vs New Zealand
Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
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