New Zealand announce their squad for upcoming series against Zimbabwe

New Zealand have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Fast bowler Matt Fisher, who has used his raw pace to pick up 51 first-class wickets in 25 innings at an average of 24.11, has earned his maiden call-up for the series. Their former captain, Kane Williamson, however, remains unavailable for the series. 

Williamson will feature on the Hundred for the London Spirit, having signed a deal with Middlesex. The off-spin bowling all-rounder, Michael Bracewell, who is currently in the USA for the MLC 2025, will also not make his trip to the country. For him, it’s the same issue, given that he signed a deal with the Southern Brave.

Fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears will also not be part of the Zimbabwe series. The former took a personal break, awaiting the birth of his first child, while Sears is on his route to recover from a side injury, which will require another one to rehab.

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With both the red-ball clashes not being part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, the Kiwi coach, Rob Walter, respected the decision of both Williamson and Bracewell. He also reckoned that it would be a great chance for the young players to take the next step in their red-ball career.

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Jacob Duffy is another uncapped player in the squad alongside Fisher. He is currently the number one-ranked T20I bowler. Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Nathan Smith will complete the seam attack as they look to start a successful era after Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Ajaz Patel, who missed a huge chunk of his career, will link up with Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips in the spin attack.

Davon Conway, after getting dropped from the T20I tri-series, has returned to the longest format. Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Conway, and Phillips will join the squad after the end of the MLC 2025. The first Test of the series will be played on July 31, just five days after the end of the T20I tri-nation series.

New Zealand Test squad for the Zimbabwe series

Tom Latham (captain), 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.