On Tuesday, September 16, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced 14-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Australia, which is scheduled to be played next month. With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be the next major cricketing assignment, scheduled to be played in February-March in India and Sri Lanka, New Zealand will host Australia for three T20Is, starting October 1.
Although, all three matches will be played played in the opening week of October itself, they will be held at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. With less than 15 days remaining for the series, the Black Caps confirmed their squad for the T20I series, seeing some surprises.
Michael Bracewell named New Zealand’s T20I captain; Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears return
In a notable move, New Zealand Cricket have opted to go with a new person in the leadership role in Michael
Bracewell over Mitchell Santner’s absence. Bracewell has previously held the reigns on ten occasions, registering six wins and three losses. Apart from this, the side has been handed a massive boost with the return of Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears.
While veteran Kiwi batter Kane Williamson confirmed his unavailability for the upcoming series, two of the five players, who are not in the central contracts but have committed for the T20 World Cup 2026, have been included in the side, namely - Devon Conway, Tim Seifert and Tim Robinson. Finn Allen continues to remain out with a foot injury, along with Lockie Ferguson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury.
New Zealand’s 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.
