Head to open, Maxwell out; Marsh demoted: Australia's probable XI for 1st T20I vs NZ

Australia will face NZ in 1st T20I tomorrow [Source: AFP]

After securing a clinical 2-1 win over South Africa at home, Australia are set to take on New Zealand in a three-match T20I series. The first match of the series will be played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday, October 1. 

In a major setback for Australia, veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the T20I series with a fractured forearm. The Aussies will also miss the services of Josh Inglis, who has been sidelined from the series with a right calf strain. 

As the visitors face a challenging situation, thanks to injuries to their key players, let's analyse and find out what could be their playing XI for the first T20I at Bay Oval. 

Top order: Travis Head, Matthew Short, Mitchell Marsh

While Travis Head is an obvious choice to open the batting for Australia, skipper Mitchell Marsh might demote himself to number three and allot the other opening slot to Matthew Short, due to the following reasons. 

Marsh's contrasting numbers as opener and at 3

(Mitchell Marsh in T20Is as opener and at 3)

The aforementioned stats suggest that Mitchell Marsh has been a much better performer at three than as an opener. While his average at 3 jumps from 20.78 to 37.53, he strikes at 142.57 at that position. So, technically, Marsh's demotion can help him get rid of his rough patch that he has sustained this year (170 runs, average- 21.25, SR- 141.67) following his decision to open the batting. 

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Matthew Short's success as opener

Another reason that demands Marsh to swap his positions with Matthew Short is the latter's success as an opener in the Big Bash League. Short has struck at a blistering rate of 165.22 in ten T20I innings at the opening slot. 

He has also been a prolific performer as an opener in the BBL, scoring 1825 runs at a healthy average of 38.05 and a strike rate of 151.57. So, he definitely has the capability to take on the New Zealand bowlers and capitalise on the powerplay field restrictions. 

Middle Order: Stoinis, Tim David, Mitch Owen, Alex Carey

(T20I stats of Australian middle order batters)

In Maxwell's absence, Marcus Stoinis is expected to spearhead Australia's middle order batting alongside Tim David, Mitchell Owen and Alex Carey. While Stoinis and Owen offer handy medium pace bowling options, David's power-hitting and Carey's ability to play crucial cameos make them genuine threats to the Kiwi bowling lineup.  

Bowlers: Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa

Ben Dwarshuis showcased remarkable form in the recently concluded series against West Indies and South Africa, scalping 13 wickets combined at an average of 19 and a superb strike rate of 12.92. So, the left-arm pacer will lead the Australian pace attack with Josh Hazlewood, who has 73 T20I wickets to his name in 55 appearances. 

With Adam Zampa set to spearhead the Australian pace attack, there could be a toss-up between Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett for the third seamer's role. Although Bartlett is promising, Abbott's experience might help him pip the youngster in the race. 

Australia's probable XI for 1st T20I vs NZ

Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Alex Carey (WK), Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

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