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Matt Fisher Earns Maiden Test Call-Up as New Zealand Names Squad for Zimbabwe Series
Uncapped Pace Talent Joins Blackcaps as Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls Return
New Zealand have announced a 15-member Test squad for their upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe, featuring uncapped fast bowler Matt Fisher, who earned his maiden call-up after impressing in domestic cricket. The squad, led by Tom Latham, sees the return of experienced campaigners Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls, while several senior names including Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell, and Kyle Jamieson will miss the tour for various reasons.
New Faces and Familiar Returns in Blackcaps Test Setup
Fisher and Duffy Add Freshness to the Pace Unit
Matt Fisher, who represents Northern Districts, has been rewarded for his consistent domestic performances with a spot in the national Test setup. The 25-year-old right-arm quick has taken 51 wickets in 14 First-Class matches at an impressive average of 24.11. Notably, he played a key role in Northern Districts’ Plunket Shield triumph earlier this year, picking up 14 wickets in just three matches at 17.71 before injury cut short his season.
Joining him is fellow uncapped pacer Jacob Duffy, as New Zealand looks to deepen its pace reserves ahead of a busy international calendar.
Also Read: Prenelan Subrayen’s Dream Debut for South Africa in Zimbabwe Test
Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in Fisher’s raw pace and potential:
“Matt’s one of the fastest bowlers in the country and brings an X-factor. We’re excited to give him exposure at the international level and integrate him into our pace unit.”
Key Absentees: Williamson, Bracewell, Jamieson Unavailable
Strategic Rest and Personal Commitments Lead to Major Omissions
Former captain Kane Williamson has opted out of the tour to manage his playing workload, especially since the series is not part of the ICC World Test Championship. Michael Bracewell, who was centrally contracted earlier this year, is unavailable due to a prior commitment to play in The Hundred in England — a situation previously agreed upon with New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson will miss the series due to personal reasons, as he awaits the birth of his first child. Promising pacer Ben Sears is also sidelined due to a side strain and will need 2–4 weeks of recovery, ruling him out of both the T20Is and Tests in Zimbabwe.
Coach Walter clarified:
“While Test matches are always important, the non-WTC status of this series allowed us to explore rotation and give opportunities to newer names. Kane and Michael’s unavailability was discussed in the contracting process.”
Ajaz Patel and Nicholls Reinforced for Spin and Stability
Ajaz Patel, who last played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic win against India in Mumbai in 2021, returns after a long Test absence. Left-handed batter Henry Nicholls, who hasn’t featured since December 2023, is also back, adding depth and experience to the middle order.
Full New Zealand Test Squad for Zimbabwe Series
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, 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
With a mix of youth and experience, the squad looks balanced as they prepare for a two-match Test series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting July 30. The second Test begins August 7, following the conclusion of the T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe, South Africa, and New Zealand.
For the official squad announcement, visit New Zealand Cricket’s official website.
