Australia wary of new-look New Zealand ahead of T20I series

Sophie Molineux-led Australia will compete against their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, a contest which head coach Shelley Nitschke believes added intensity to it.

“It's a huge rivalry that's been going on for a long time. We both enjoy playing each other and have played each other a lot over the years, and the Rose Bowl sort of has been something that we pride ourselves on keeping,” Nitschke said during the pre-match presser.

“Every team that sort of takes the field now is playing for that in these matches. It adds a nice bit of rivalry again between the two countries,” Nitschke said.

While Australia are high on confidence on the back of their ICC Women's T20 World Cup win, New Zealand head into the series with a refreshed squad and coaching staff, with multiple senior players having called it time following the tournament in July.

Nitschke expects their younger players to bring plenty of confidence and fearlessness to the contest.

“They've got a new-look team, new-look coaching staff and some young players in there too.

"So they'll be coming over here with nothing to lose. So certainly very wary of them and want to make sure we're ready for those matches. 

“They're a new-look team with some big retirements at the back end of the World Cup and some young players. They've always got a little bit about them, young players.

“There's a fearlessness about young cricketers. We certainly want to be ready for that. I think they'll come out with some real confidence and wanting to make a mark, that's for sure.”

Australia will also be looking to use the series to continue building towards the ICC Women's Champions Trophy in February next year in India, with Nitschke stressing the importance of every outing as the team looks to refine its approach and find balance in the squad.

“Every time we take the field it's important, representing Australia, but wanting to grow the game every time we get out there. But as you say, for us there's no other international T20s before the Champions Trophy.

“They're as important as anything. There's still a bit of time before that Champions Trophy and some domestic cricket to play. 

Nitschke also provided an update on Phoebe Litchfield's availability for the opening match, with the batter continuing to be assessed ahead of the series opener.

“Phoebe's tracking well. We've obviously still got training today, so there's a little bit to play out, I think, before the game. 

“She'll continue to be assessed. We're not sort of sure how training will go, but yeah, we're hopeful. There's a bit to play out, I think, before we sort of see if she's going to be available for the first game.”

Series schedule:

Sunday, October 18: North Sydney Oval  

Tuesday, October 20: North Sydney Oval  

Thursday, October 22: North Sydney Oval