New Zealand has named a 15-man squad for the two-Test series against Zimbabwe with Kane Williamson missing. The former captain has chosen to sit out the series to manage his schedule. Matt Fisher, a 25-year-old pacer from Northern Districts, gets his first Test call up.
Williamson last played a Test at home against England in 2024 and is currently playing for Middlesex in the Vitality Blast T20 competition. He turned down a central contract from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) earlier this year to have more control over his international schedule. NZC said Williamson was unavailable for the Zimbabwe Tests which aligns with his new approach to managing his career.
Michael Bracewell is also missing the series due to commitments to The Hundred in England. Kyle Jamieson is unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child.
Despite the absences the New Zealand squad remains the same with Tom Latham as captain. Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls return to the squad.
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Big inclusion is Matt Fisher. The young bowler has impressed in domestic cricket taking 51 wickets in 14 first-class matches at 24.11. He is known for his pace and consistency and is one of the fastest bowlers in the country.
The two-Test series will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo with the first match starting on July 30. The tour will give New Zealand a chance to assess their squad depth and young talent for the future.
NZ Test Squad For Zimbabwe: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young
