Online Reporter
KANE WILLIAMSON and Michael Bracewell will remain unavailable for the two-Test cricket series against Zimbabwe.
New Zealand have picked fast bowler Matthew Fisher for the first time in their 15-member squad for the red-ball series against Zimbabwe, scheduled later this month.
The former New Zealand Under-19 player has taken 51 first-class wickets at an average of 24.11 across 14 matches.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter believes Fisher has a bright future at Test level and is looking forward to see what the 25-year-old can produce against Zimbabwe.
“Matt (Fisher) is someone we’re really excited about, he’s one of the fastest bowlers in the country and we think he’s got an x-factor,” Walter said.
“We’re blessed to have a large number of strong fast bowlers in this country, giving him a little bit of touring experience and a taste of what it means to be part of the Black Caps.”
New Zealand will be without their spearhead Tim Southee after he retired late last year. Other regulars like Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell have also made themselves unavailable for the two-match series, while Kyle Jamieson has taken time off as he awaits the birth of his first child and Ben Sears has been ruled out due to an injury.
Walter added that while they will miss the talent and the class, it also provides an opportunity for others to showcase their talent.
“Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process,” he said.
While Patel’s last outing with New Zealand was a Player of the Match performance in the 3-0 whitewash over India last November, Nicholls is returning to the Test squad for the first time since December 2023. The Test squad is set to assemble at Bulawayo on July 27, post the T20I tri-series at Harare.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young
Series Schedule
First Test: July 30 – August 3, Bulawayo
Second Test: August 7-11, Bulawayo — ICC/crcket.com
