In the series opener at Sky Stadium, Mitchell Santner, leading New Zealand in the absence of Kane Williamson, won the toss and chose to bat against Australia, who are nearly at full strength.
Josh Clarkson is set to make his T20I debut for New Zealand, batting at No. 6, while Lockie Ferguson returns from injury to bolster the squad after missing the Super Smash final for Auckland.
Australia opted for allrounder Matthew Short over Steven Smith, with Short slated to bat at No. 7. They also welcome back Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Travis Head after resting them for the recent T20I series against West Indies.
Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade is on paternity leave, giving way for Josh Inglis to take the gloves at No. 5, while Travis Head joins David Warner at the top of the order.
Both teams are gearing up for the T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean, making this three-match series crucial for finalizing their squads. Additionally, they’ll be vying for the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, traditionally awarded in bilateral ODI series between the two sides.
New Zealand Playing XI:
- Finn Allen
- Devon Conway (wk)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Josh Clarkson
- Mitchell Santner (capt)
- Tim Southee
- Adam Milne
- Ish Sodhi
- Lockie Ferguson
Australia Playing XI:
- Travis Head
- David Warner
- Mitchell Marsh (capt)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Tim David
- Matthew Short
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
- Josh Hazlewood
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