All-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead the 14-member squad in the three-match T20I series against Australia, in the absence of regular skipper Mitchell Santner, who is sidelined following abdominal surgery. Returning to the side are pace duo Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears. Kane Williamson, who recently signed a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket, has made himself unavailable for the home series.
Both Jamieson and Sears were not part of the New Zealand squad for the tri-series in Zimbabwe, which also featured South Africa. Jamieson missed the series after taking paternity leave for the birth of his first child, while Sears was out of action due to a side injury.
Bracewell, who has captained New Zealand in 10 T20Is, is aiming to reclaim the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, which New Zealand has not won since 2021.
“The Chappell-Hadlee Series is a great way to start the summer. I grew up watching those series and the rivalry is massive between New Zealand and Australia,” said Bracewell. “Since 2016, it [the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy] hasn’t been with us, and that’s something we want to change. Having the opportunity to fight for that on home soil is pretty special.”
In addition to Santner, other first-choice players unavailable for selection due to injury concerns include Finn Allen, Adam Milne, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson.
New Zealand 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.
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