Explained: Why Australia Wore Black Armbands in 1st T20I vs New Zealand

The three-match T20I series between New Zealand and Australia started at Bay Oval, where Australia had won the toss and decided to bowl first. Both sides are treating the series like a warm-up to next year's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The match began on a subdued note as the Australian team wore black arm bands in remembrance of Gordon Carey, the father of wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who died last week after battling leukemia for a long time.

Key Players Missing for Both Teams

Both teams lack some of their key players as they are injured. Australia is missing Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, while New Zealand is missing white-ball captain Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, and Finn Allen.

In spite of the absent stars, both sides have been in good form during the past few months. Australia have been solid, winning seven out of their last 10 T20I series, including a drawn one against England. New Zealand arrive in the series in good nick as well, having taken nine out of 11 T20Is this year.

Mitchell Marsh Describes Bowling First

Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh supported his choice to bowl first, based on conditions and boundary length as reasons.

Marsh explained:

"We would like to bowl first, it is an early opening to the season and that is how most teams tend to go about it these days (chasing). Boundaries are short and naturally always a benefit knowing what you are chasing."

Playing XI in the 1st T20I

Australia (XI): Mitchell Marsh(c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Owen, Tim David, Alex Carey(w), Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

New Zealand (XI): Tim Seifert(w), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell(c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

With both sides boasting talented line-ups despite injuries, the opening clash promises to set the tone for what could be a thrilling series.