Two of the Australian cricket team's biggest names will be absent for their looming trip to New Zealand to play the Black Caps in three T20s

With the Ashes on the horizon in November - all precautions are being taken to ensure captain Pat Cummins' ongoing lower back pain is gone by the time England arrive in Australia.

Fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc also won't cross the ditch - after confirming his retirement from T20 internationals.

The squad to cross the ditch is headlined by opening bowler Josh Hazlewood and the all-round quartet of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh.

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