Stand-in Australia captain Tahlia McGrath has demanded her side give current T20 World Cup champions New Zealand three challenging performances when the two teams play three quickfire T20Is across Auckland, Mount Maunganui and Wellington across the coming week.
McGrath, who stays on as captain after filling in for the injured Alyssa Healy during portions of the recent Women's Ashes, said that despite a "really long season" that began in north Queensland against New Zealand back in September 2024 and has featured 22 internationals as well as this month's Women's Premier League in India, the group was excited to be back on tour representing the country.
"It's just nice to be back as a group after a successful Ashes," McGrath told reporters inside Auckland's Eden Park. "It's an odd one for us with just three T20s, with the focus being the 50-over World Cup (in October 2025). It's a really good opportunity for us with not many T20s on the schedule before that World Cup."
"New Zealand are pretty much back at full strength so we're expecting a really hard fought contest and hopefully a nice crowd (being a double-header) with a few Aussies. They have superstars throughout their list so we have to be at our best."
The Australians have more of a point to prove than usual, having recently failed to win a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title after being knocked out of the tournament by South Africa during the semi-finals.
An undermanned New Zealand side drew their last T20I home series 1-1 against seventh-ranked Sri Lanka, but despite winning their last nine games across all formats against the White Ferns, McGrath won't be taking anything for granted against an opposition that welcomes back key players Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu.
"New Zealand are pretty much back at full strength so we're expecting a really hard fought contest and hopefully a nice crowd (being a double-header preceding the Black Caps' men's T20I against Pakistan) with a few Aussies. They have superstars throughout their list so we have to be at our best.
"We're always talking about how we can get better. There is no limit to our game. (We want to be) brave, fearless and aggressive. Playing with no fear knowing that if it doesn't come off, there's someone ready to walk out to the wicket to the job. Same with the ball: an attacking mindset, an aggressive nature and just trying to push the game forward as much as possible."
With the teams effectively playing for practice ahead of October's 50-over World Cup in India, the series affords the Aussies more of an opportunity to dedicate Friday's opening match in Auckland to celebrate Beth Mooney's 200th international match over a nine-year period.
"Crazy milestone for Moons," McGrath said when asked about her 31-year-old teammate.
"She's the ultimate consistent performer. She gets us off to a brilliant start every time with the bat. She stepped up this year with the gloves (for the injured Alyssa Healy) and has played a really good role for us there. She's always looking out for your teammates and I'm really excited to celebrate such a special milestone."
All three T20Is will act as curtain raisers to the Black Caps' ongoing five-game series against Pakistan.