New Zealand will be without Senior dough Kane Williamson and Allrounder Michael Bracewell for the upcoming series of two tests against Zimbabwe, with both players available to the overseas franchise T20.
Williamson, who remains a key figure on the side, decided to honor his agreement with Middlesex at the English Regional Championship and will also be for the London Spirit on the tables. Bracewell, who is currently playing for Mi New York in the main league cricket (MLC), has been picked up by South Brave in hundreds of 200,000 – New Zealand (NZC) said he was “agreed and taken into account in his NZC Central Treaty”.
With Bulawayo tests, ICC World Test Championship (WTC), NZC and National Selectors were not part of the World Test Championships.
“Kane and Michael were in front with the New Zealand cricket about their availability for this tour during the process of the contractual process,” said Rob Walter head coach, who appointed his first test group since taking over Gary last month.
“Although all test matches are extremely special and important, the fact that these tests are not part of the World Test Championship have influenced discussions on this occasion. Obviously we will miss their talent and class, but allow others to be lucky to call as Ajaz (patel) and Henry (Nicholls).
The rapid Ben Sears pitching is also unavailable due to secondary tension, while Kyle Jamieson decided to stay in New Zealand for the birth of his first child.
Their absence opens the door for fresh faces. Fast Matt Fisher earns his first test challenge, and Jacob Duffy-Kirty represented New Zealand in white ball formats-he could be in a row for a long format debut.
“Matt is someone we are really excited about,” Walter said. “It’s one of the fastest pitch-offs in the ground and we think it has an X-Factor. We’re blessed that we have a large number of fast-mounting on this country and look forward to adding Matt to this mix.
Spinner left arm AJAZ patel and middle -order dough Henry Nicholls are returning to the team and providing experience along with the core of established players and the emerging talent.
New Zealand Test Squad: Tom Latham (CAPT), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rouke, Will O’Rouke, Will Young, Will Young
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
8 July 2025
