The left-arm seamer, though, has been picked for only the second and third T20Is. He is currently with MI Emirates in UAE's ILT20 league, where his franchise has made it to the knockouts. Should MI Emirates make Saturday's final, Boult will only have a six-day break before he lines up for New Zealand in the second T20I in Auckland.

Clarkson, 27, hurt his shoulder during the most recent Super Smash, but the injury wasn't as serious as initially feared and he returned to action for Central Districts in the 50-over Ford Trophy, where he also pitched in with the ball.

"It's been pretty crazy really," Clarkson said, reacting to his T20I call-up. "Pretty crazy to be called up for the Bangladesh series and then now [for] the T20I series against the Aussiesit's a pretty special feeling.

"Growing up, Aussies are usually the pinnacle and the way they go about their game is sort of something that I try to imitate in my game. But yeah, pretty special feeling for myself and my family as well. I rang the old man yesterday and he's in shock. He's already booked his flight."

"Josh hits the ball as long and as hard as anyone and we were encouraged by his performances with the ball in his maiden ODI series against Bangladesh before Christmas," Wells said.

Ferguson will have a chance to prove his fitness and form when he turns out for Auckland in the Ford Trophy this Sunday before he joins the New Zealand set-up on Monday in Wellington. Matt Henry retained his place in the side after impressing against Pakistan in January.

Wells said that that the T20I series against a strong Australia team will tune New Zealand up for the World Cup, which begins in June in the USA and the West Indies.

"Facing Australia is always special for a New Zealand side and even more so when it's at home in front of a big Kiwi crowd," he said. "Australia has named a strong squad which is packed with power and match-winners, so it promises to be an entertaining series. With a T20 World Cup just around the corner in June, the series should provide a good gauge of where the sides are at."

The first T20I will be played at Sky Stadium in Wellington before Australia and New Zealand will move to Eden Park in Auckland for the last two games.

New Zealand squad for Australia T20Is