Litchfield trains as selectors mull best XI to take on White Ferns

Phoebe Litchfield trained strongly at North Sydney Oval on Saturday as she attempts to prove her fitness ahead of Australia's first T20I against New Zealand. Litchfield, who missed the final ODI against Bangladesh with a low-grade hip strain, will undergo further assessment. Australia coach Shelley Nitschke confirmed that while Litchfield is tracking well, the team may take a cautious approach given the upcoming busy schedule.

Australia faces selection decisions ahead of Sunday's series opener, with quick Lucy Hamilton returning from a quad injury and Megan Schutt entering contention following an impressive ODI series. Captain Sophie Molineux has also declared herself fit after recovering from a hip issue. If Litchfield is cleared to play, Australia could field the same lineup that won the T20 World Cup final at Lord's.