New Zealand will miss their regular skipper Mitchell Santner in the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia. Santner, who has just undergone surgery on his abdomen, has not recovered in time to play. He is likely to return later this month during the white-ball series against England. When he is away, the Black Caps will be led by Michael Bracewell. Bracewell has already led New Zealand in 10 T20Is, such as the memorable 4-1 series triumph over Pakistan this year. Coach Rob Walter was confident in the leadership of Bracewell and stated: "Never nice to lose your skipper. But these things do happen. And Michael has already been the captain of this team and did a great job against Pakistan. So fully confident in how he will lead the team." Jamieson and Sears Returns, Sodhi Leads Spin Attack The 14-player squad welcomes back Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears. Jamieson missed the Zimbabwe tour to be with his family after the birth of his first child, while Sears sat out with a side strain. Walter was pleased with Sears’ recovery, adding, “He’s worked incredibly hard over the last 12 weeks to be back on the park and done some awesome work there. So we’re excited to see him back in the competitive fold.” The seam attack will also feature Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy (who is currently ranked No.1 bowler in T20Is), and young pacer Zak Foulkes. In the batting lineup, Devon Conway holds his place after signing up as injury cover in Zimbabwe. Teenager Bevon Jacobs, who made an impression with a 44 not out on debut against South Africa, remains in the team. Tim Seifert remains wicketkeeper after his record CPL century, and Tim Robinson is repaid for his Player-of-the-Match innings in the just-concluded tri-series. Santner's absence means Ish Sodhi will spearhead the spin assault. Sodhi proved his mettle in Zimbabwe, taking 2 for 34 and 4 for 12 in his two performances. Key Absentees of New Zealand Some of the senior names are still not available. Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Adam Milne, Will O'Rourke, and Lockie Ferguson are all on the road to recovery from injuries. Kane Williamson, who had signed a informal playing contract with New Zealand Cricket, has decided to opt out of this series but is likely to return for the English tour. NZ vs AUS T20I Series Schedule The three-match T20I series will be conducted at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on October 1, 3, and 4. Australia will miss Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, and Cameron Green, but are otherwise fielding a good team that has already achieved two T20I series victories in recent times. Walter considers the series to be an excellent challenge: "They play a very aggressive brand, which is cool. I think that puts you under pressure. It certainly allows us to explore a few different options." New Zealand T20I Squad vs Australia Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi