New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on July 7 announced their 15-member Test squad for Zimbabwe tour starting later this month. Matt Fisher has earned his maiden Test call-up. Jacob Duffy is expected to make his Test debut as well.
"Matt's someone we're really excited about," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said. "He's one of the fastest bowlers in the country and we think he's got an X-factor. We're blessed to have a large number of strong fast bowlers in this country and we're looking forward to adding Matt into that mix now, giving him a little bit of touring experience and a taste of what it means to be part of the Black Caps."
For the two-Test series, Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell have made themselves unavailable. They will be busy representing their respective franchises in The Hundred 2025. Walter revealed that Williamson and Bracewell missing the Test series was decided during their contract negotiations.
"Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process," he said.
"While all Test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these Tests aren't part of the ICC World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion."
Star pacers unavailable
Apart from the senior duos, fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears will not be on the flight to Zimbabwe as well. Jamieson is with his family, awaiting the birth of his first child. Meanwhiule, Sears is recovering from an injury he sustained during the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC) for defending champions Washington Freedom.
Two veteran players return
For the Zimbabwe tour, veteran left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel and batter Henry Nicholls have made a comeback. 36-year-old Ajaz hasn't played a Test since New Zealand's historic triumph over India in Wankhede in 2024. Another returnee, Nicholls' last Test appearance was against Bangladesh in December 2023.
The two-Test series will begin on July 30 at Queens Sport Club, Bulawayo. The second Test will be played at the same venue as well, commencing on August 7.
New Zealand's Test squad for Zimbabwe tour
Tom Latham (c), 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