New Zealand announces 14-member squad for Australia T20Is, Michael Bracewell to lead

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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have unveiled their 14-member men’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, set to be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from October 1 to 4. The series, part of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, promises plenty of action, but the Blackcaps will enter with a significantly reshaped lineup.

The biggest talking point is Michael Bracewell being handed the captaincy. With regular skipper Mitchell Santner sidelined following abdominal surgery, Bracewell’s leadership will be crucial. The all-rounder is no stranger to the role—he has captained New Zealand before against Pakistan, and his calm demeanor and all-round ability make him a natural fit for the job.

Santner’s absence, however, will be felt. Since taking over as New Zealand’s white-ball captain in December 2024, he has been instrumental in shaping the team’s approach. Now, Bracewell has an opportunity to showcase his leadership in one of the toughest assignments—against the Australians.

The squad announcement also came with some disappointment for fans. The absence of Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s most experienced and prolific batter, is a significant blow. Williamson has opted out of the series for personal reasons but is expected to rejoin the team for the England series later in October.

The injury list only adds to the challenges. Opener Finn Allen is out with a foot injury, while fast bowlers Adam Milne (ankle), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), and Will O’Rourke (back) will miss the series. Dynamic all-rounder Glenn Phillips is also unavailable due to a groin injury. With so many first-choice players unavailable, the selectors have leaned on domestic performers and a few familiar names to carry the torch.

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Amid the setbacks, there is good news for the bowling department. Kyle Jamieson, who missed the Zimbabwe tri-series due to the birth of his child, returns to the fold. His height and bounce add a new dimension to the attack. Alongside him, Ben Sears also makes a comeback after recovering from a side strain. Their presence provides balance to the pace unit, which will be vital against a strong Australian batting lineup.

Bracewell will also have the support of experienced campaigners like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Ish Sodhi, while youngsters such as Tim Robinson and Zak Foulkes will look to grab their chances on the international stage.

For New Zealand, this series is more than just another bilateral contest—it’s a test of depth and resilience. With several senior players missing, the squad will be under pressure to perform against a full-strength Australian team. Yet, it also opens the door for fringe players to stake their claim ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup next year.

New Zealand T20I squad for Australia series: 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

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