Hockey: Michelsen back for Black Sticks

Stacey Michelsen is set to return to the Black Sticks. Photo/ John Stones

World class midfielder Stacey Michelsen returns to the Black Sticks squad for the three-test series against Australia and the Champions Trophy next month.

World No 4 New Zealand will play Australia, ranked second, in Wellington from November 15-18, before heading to Mendoza, Argentina for the international tournament, starting on November 29.

"Stacey is one of the best players in the world and has the ability to play multiple positions," coach Mark Hager said.

"We are moving her up the pitch and along with Jordan Grant, they will provide us with some real ammunition in the front third."

Canterbury keeper Amelia Gibson is unavailable after fracturing her collarbone during the United States series and her place has gone to experienced Sally Rutherford.

Three players, Midlands defender Natasha Fitzsimons, North Harbour defender Kat Henry and Auckland midfielder Danielle Sutherland are only named to the Australian series, while Sam Charlton and Julia King skip that series but are in for the trip to Argentina.

The transtasman rivalry will continue when both sides meet in Wellington. Since the 2012 London Olympics, the teams have drawn, lost and won two games each.

Teams:

v Australia: Georgia Barnett, Michaela Curtis (Central), Sophie Cocks, Jordan Grant, Pippa Hayward, Olivia Merry (Canterbury), Natasha Fitzsimons, Shiloh Gloyn, Sally Rutherford, Rose Keddell (Midlands), Ella Gunson, Stacey Michelsen, Brooke Neal (Northland), Kat Henry, Petrea Webster (North Harbour), Anita Punt, Aniwaka Robertrs (Capital), Liz Thompson, Danielle Sutherland (Auckland).

Champions Trophy: Barnett, Curtis (Central), Sam Charlton, Gloyn, Keddell, Rutherford (Midlands), Cocks, Grant, Hayward, Merry (Canterbury), Gunson, Michelsen, Neal (Northland), Julia King, Thompson (Auckland), Webster (North Harbour), Punt, Roberts (Capital).