Matt Fisher earns maiden call-up to NZ Test squad

Pace bowler Matt Fisher earned his maiden Test call-up as the New Zealand selectors announced a 15-member squad on Monday (July 7) for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson and Michael Bracewell were unavailable for selection along with Ben Sears.

Meanwhile, Ajaz Patel returned to the Test squad for the first time since his match-winning show against India in Mumbai last November that paved the way for New Zealand's historic 3-0 sweep. Henry Nicholls was also back in the setup for the first time since December 2023.

Williamson opted out in order to manage his playing schedule, while Bracewell was unavailable due to his prior commitment to The Hundred, which had been agreed upon and accounted for in his NZC central contract. Sears was sidelined from both the white-ball and red-ball games against Zimbabwe due to a side injury, which needs another two to four weeks of recovery. Jamieson, meanwhile, made himself unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child.

New Zealand Test squad: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young

Alongside newcomer Fisher, Jacob Duffy is the other uncapped player in an otherwise settled squad led by Tom Latham. Fisher offers a fresh option in the pace department, having taken 51 wickets in 14 First-Class matches at an average of 24.11. He was instrumental in Northern Districts' title-winning run in the 2024-25 Plunket Shield, picking up 14 wickets at 17.71 in just three matches before an injury cut his season short.

Speaking about Fisher, head coach Rob Walter said: "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 BLACKCAPS."

Regarding the absence of Williamson and Bracewell, Walter added: "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 ICC 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 and Henry who are both proven performers at Test level."

The Test series begins four days after the conclusion of the T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe, which features the hosts alongside South Africa and New Zealand. The first Test begins on July 30 while the second Test starts on August 7, with both matches to be played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.