In-form Aussies' chance to create unwanted Kiwi history

Phoebe Litchfield thinks the sport's 12-month international calendar will ensure there's no rust when the Australian summer of cricket begins with a Twenty20 against New Zealand in Mackay.

The stylish left-hander will likely slot into the middle order of the home side's powerhouse side on Thursday night, against a battling Kiwi outfit in the three-match series.

Teams will meet again at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday before moving south for a potential Tuesday decider at Brisbane's Allan Border Field.

The series acts as vital preparation for next month's T20 World Cup, shifted from Bangladesh to Dubai due to ongoing civil unrest.

World No.1 Australia will chase an unprecedented fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title in the UAE.

But New Zealand are wallowing, having lost a record-equalling seven straight T20s - all to England - and won just seven of their last 23 20-over fixtures.

Litchfield remains wary of a squad headed by the experienced Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, who will play in their ninth T20 World Cups.

"They have game-winners and are the kind of team that can take the game away from you," Litchfield said on Tuesday.

"We back ourselves against any side; it'll be really nice to get out there and play together after not playing for several months."

Australia have not played an international series since their tour of Bangladesh in March, but most of the squad recently featured in England's The Hundred last month, or played for Australia A against India A.

"Even if there is (rust) it's the time to do it, right," Litchfield said.

"But the way our team's prepared ... all over the globe, smashing it; we're really excited.

"We've had some time off, but each of us have played in England, in practice matches or against India A and ... we're all in some good form."

Sophie Molineux, Darcie Brown and Grace Harris will all return from injury for Australia.