New Zealand have unveiled a 15-man Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on July 30 in Bulawayo. Notably, senior stars Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell and Kyle Jamieson are absent from the squad.
Young pacer Matt Fisher has earned a maiden Test selection. He has taken 51 first-class wickets at an average of 24.11 across 14 matches. Spinner Ajaz Patel returns to the squad for the first time since last playing for New Zealand last year. Tom Latham will be leading the side.
"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. 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,” NZ head coach Rob Walter said.
"Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process.”
"While all Test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these Tests aren't part of the World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion. We will obviously miss their talent and class, but it allows an opportunity to others and we're lucky to be able to call on the likes of Ajaz [Patel] and Henry [Nicholls], who are both proven performers at Test level."
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