New Zealand Cricket Names Fresh T20 Squad for Australia Series
New Zealand announces a transformed T20 squad for the Australia series, with Michael Bracewell taking the helm as captain while Mitchell Santner recovers from surgery. The team sees significant changes with multiple players unavailable.
Michael Bracewell appointed as New Zealand's T20 captain for the upcoming series against Australia
In a significant shake-up to their T20 lineup, New Zealand Cricket has announced a transformed squad for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series against Australia, marking a pivotal moment in the team's evolution.
Leadership Changes and Notable Absences
The most striking development is the appointment of Michael Bracewell as captain, following Mitchell Santner's temporary withdrawal due to abdominal surgery. This leadership transition comes at a crucial time when New Zealand's sporting landscape is experiencing significant shifts across disciplines.
Squad Reinforcements and Returns
The pace attack receives a welcome boost with the return of Kyle Jamieson, who recently celebrated the birth of his first child, and Ben Sears, who has recovered from injury. They join world No.1-ranked T20I bowler Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and the experienced Matt Henry in what promises to be a formidable bowling lineup.
Key Player Unavailability
- Mitchell Santner (abdominal surgery)
- Finn Allen (injury)
- Adam Milne (injury)
- Glenn Phillips (injury)
- Lockie Ferguson (injury)
- Kane Williamson (personal choice)
Rising Stars and Retained Talent
Bevon Jacobs has maintained his position after an impressive unbeaten 44 on debut against South Africa in Zimbabwe. Devon Conway, whose consistent performances have been crucial to New Zealand's competitive edge across formats, retains his spot in the squad.
Series Schedule
The three-match series will commence on October 1 at Bay Oval, with subsequent matches scheduled for October 3 and 4 at the same venue. This compact series format reflects modern cricket's evolving landscape and the importance of sustainable scheduling.
Full Squad
Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi
Ella Thompson
Ella Thompson is a Wellington-based journalist covering politics, climate policy, and digital freedoms in the Pacific. With a background in law and international relations, she brings sharp analysis and a passion for civic accountability.