Australia allrounder Marcus Stoinis has been ruled out of Australia's three-match T20I series against New Zealand due to a back problem. In his absence, Aaron Hardie has been called up to the squad.
Stoinis sustained a back strain during warm-up before the second T20I against the West Indies in Adelaide last Sunday but still managed to participate in the match. Despite his injury, he contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 16 runs off 15 balls and taking 3 wickets for 36 runs.
Australia's vice-captain and wicketkeeper, Matthew Wade, will miss the first game of the series in Wellington on Wednesday due to the birth of his child. However, he is expected to return for the remaining two matches in Auckland on Friday and Sunday.
Additionally, Matthew Short, a spin bowling all-rounder, is also uncertain for the New Zealand tour due to a minor hamstring strain sustained during the ODI series against the West Indies.
Experienced batters Steven Smith and Travis Head return to the T20 squad for the New Zealand tour after missing the West Indies series. They are expected to feature prominently in the top three positions as Australia aim to solidify its lineup for the upcoming World Cup.
The three-match T20I series between New Zealand and Australia will commence on February 21 in Wellington, with the second and third matches scheduled for February 23 and 25 at Eden Park in Auckland, respectively.
Australia's T20 squad to tour New Zealand: Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
