Stoinis Returns to Australia Squad for New Zealand T20s, Eyes T20 World Cup Spot

Marcus Stoinis has been named in a 14-member Australia squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. His return, along with that of Mitch Owen, Matthew Short and Xavier Bartlett, strengthens his case for a place in next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Australia T20 squad v New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

The 36-year-old Stoinis has not held a central or state contract over the last year and last featured for Australia in November 2024. He retired from ODIs in February this year but has remained active on the global T20 circuit, playing key roles for Punjab Kings in the IPL and Trent Rockets in The Hundred, both teams reaching the finals.

To break into the World Cup squad, Stoinis faces stiff competition for a middle-order allrounder's role, with Cameron Green, Tim David and Owen all vying for similar spots. Green will skip the New Zealand series to prioritise Sheffield Shield cricket in preparation for the home Ashes. Owen returns to the side after missing the final T20I and subsequent ODI series against South Africa due to concussion.

Matthew Short, meanwhile, has recovered from the side strain he picked up in training in Jamaica ahead of the West Indies series in July. Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie drop out after serving as injury replacements against South Africa. Nathan Ellis will miss the six-day tour on paternity leave.

Australia will also be without Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20Is, and Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury and racing against time to be fit for the Ashes.

The three T20Is will be played in Mount Maunganui on October 1, 3 and 4.