TOP STORIES
Big stars unavailable as New Zealand name squad for Zimbabwe Tests
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
Tags
More News
IPL 2026 final: Rain threat looming over Ahmedabad
The IPL 2026 final is just hours away, but weather conditions could play a decisive role as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the title clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both teams are aiming to secure their second Indian Premier League trophy; however, the skies above Ahmedabad could pose a massive threat....
"Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi": Sachin Tendulkar hails the young talent
Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been hailed by legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, describing the Rajasthan Royals star as a "truly special" talent and expressing his desire to see the youngster represent India in Test cricket in the future. However, Tendulkar also emphasised the importance of allowing the teenager to develop naturally rather tha...
RCB seek consecutive IPL trophies as GT hunt historic glory
The culmination of the action-packed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 comes tonight as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in the title clash at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday in Ahmedabad. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a fruitful campaign, and now they are only one victory away from creating history. After winning the...
"We're focused on giving our best": RCB captain Rajat Patidar ahead of IPL final against GT
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to defend their crown in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday, captain Rajat Patidar is approaching the occasion with great calmness. There is always a spotlight on the captain, but Patidar has chosen to focus on the journey rather than the pressure that comes with it.
"I've never thought about what ...
GT and RCB gear up for blockbuster IPL final in Ahmedabad
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns with Gujarat Titans in a mouthwatering showdown in the IPL 2026 final, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It is the face-off between contrasting styles and philosophies, with both teams looking to stamp their authority.
Royal Challengers Be...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram