New Zealand Test squad for Zimbabwe tour announced; Kane Williamson OUT

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named a 15-member squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, slated to be played later this month. The Tom Latham-led team will be without key players Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell, who are unavailable due to their T20 league commitments.

Kane Williamson has decided to honor his deal with Middlesex in the County Championship and will also play for London Spirit in The Hundred. Michael Bracewell, who is currently representing MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025, was picked by Southern Brave for £200,000 in The Hundred.

Kane Williamson Remains Unavailable for Zimbabwe Tests

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter opened up about the absence of Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell. He stated that both players had been transparent with New Zealand Cricket about their availability during the contract negotiations.

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"Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process," Walter 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."

Also Read: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, Live Score and Commentary, Zimbabwe T20I Tri Series

Matt Fisher Is One of the Fastest Bowlers in the Country - Rob Walter

Fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears are unavailable for the upcoming Test series. Jamieson is taking a personal break as he prepares for the birth of his first child, while Sears is recovering from a side strain sustained during the MLC.

Matt Fisher has received his maiden Test call-up. Fisher has taken 51 wickets in 14 first-class matches at an average of 24.11. The 25-year-old previously played for New Zealand A in India in 2022 and was part of the 2018 Under-19 World Cup squad. Jacob Duffy is another uncapped player in Tests.

“Matt’s 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,” said Walter.

“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 BLACKCAPS.”

Henry Nicholls and Ajaz Patel Return to New Zealand's Test Squad

New Zealand will play their first red-ball series in Zimbabwe since 2016. Will O'Rourke, Matt Henry, and Nathan Smith will lead the pace attack.

Henry Nicholls has returned to the squad after a strong domestic season for Canterbury, where he scored 464 runs in six innings at an average of 116 in the Plunket Shield.

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel also makes a comeback to the Test side for the first time since his 11-wicket haul in Mumbai in 2023. He will be joined by Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips in the spin department.

Devon Conway, who was dropped from the T20I tri-series squad, has retained his place in the Test side. The squad is scheduled to assemble in Bulawayo on July 27, a day after the tri-series concludes in Harare.

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

Also Read: New Zealand T20 Squad for South Africa-Zimbabwe tri-series picked, Devon Conway dropped