The Australian cricket team has announced a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against New Zealand. With this announcement, two significant pieces of news have emerged from the Kangaroos' camp.
Sports News: Australia has revealed a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against New Zealand. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been appointed as the captain of the team. Following the retirement of experienced pace bowler Mitchell Starc from T20 International cricket, Ben Dwarshuis has been included in the squad in his place.
In the meantime, Cricket Australia has also provided a major update regarding the fitness of captain Pat Cummins. Cummins is currently battling lumbar bone stress, which has made his return uncertain. It is believed that it might be difficult for him to return to the field fully fit by the Ashes series.
Major Update on Pat Cummins' Injury
Cricket Australia (CA) has informed that Pat Cummins is currently suffering from lumbar bone stress, a serious back-related injury. This means his return is not possible in the near future, and doubts will persist regarding his fitness until the Ashes series in 2025-26. Cummins' absence has increased the pressure on Australia's pace bowling unit. However, the management believes that resting him for a longer period is the best option so that he can return fully fit in the future.
Australia's Tour of New Zealand
This three-match T20 series between Australia and New Zealand will be played entirely at Mount Maunganui. All matches will commence at 11:45 AM Indian time.
- October 1, 2025 – First T20, Mount Maunganui
- October 3, 2025 – Second T20, Mount Maunganui
- October 4, 2025 – Third T20, Mount Maunganui
Mitchell Starc's Retirement
The 35-year-old Starc announced that he will no longer play in the T20 format for Australia. He stated that his biggest goals are Test cricket and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Starc said, "I've enjoyed every T20 match I've played for Australia. The 2021 T20 World Cup will always be memorable, not just because we became champions, but also because the team environment was fantastic. Now my focus is on the Test series, the tour of India, and the 2027 ODI World Cup. This is the right decision to stay fit and fresh."
Australia's Squad
Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.
