The X Factor: Northern speedster breaks into Black Caps squad

Matt Fisher has won selection for the Black Caps.
Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz

Northern Districts’ Matt Fisher is the newcomer to the squad after impressing selectors in that side’s Plunket Shield title run last season, while pace bowler Jacob Duffy is the other uncapped player, though he has been a notable performer in white ball cricket for the Black Caps.

Bracewell and star batter Williamson are both playing in England during the northern summer. Williamson is no longer on a central contract and had hinted earlier he would miss the Zimbabwe tour while Bracewell is on a central contract, but has been given permission to forgo the tour as he plays for the Southern Brave in Britain’s The Hundred.

Ajaz Patel replaces Bracewell in the squad, despite recently missing out on a New Zealand Cricket central contract, while Henry Nicholls gets a recall in Williamson’s absence. Nicholls last played for the Black Caps in December 2023, and has a wealth of experience with nine centuries scored during a 56-test career.

Pace bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears were unavailable for the tour. Jamieson is awaiting the birth of his first child, while Sears is recovering from a side injury.

Opening batter Devon Conway, who is on a casual contract, has been selected after making himself available for the tour, which involves two tests in Bulawayo, starting on 30 July. Conway is not in [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/565268/cricket-devon-conway-replaced-by-jacobs-in-black-caps-squad the Black Caps T20 squad which will take part in a series with Zimbabwe and South Africa in Harare before the test series.

Tom Latham captains the test side for the tour.

Henry Nicholls returns to the Black Caps test squad.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New coach Rob Walter said the selectors were impressed with 25-year-old Fisher’s pace.

The former NZ under-19 rep has taken 51 first class wickets at an average of 24.11. He has been with Northern Districts since 2018 and impressed early in their successful Plunket Shield campaign, with 14 wickets before being sidelined by injury.

“Matt’s someone we’re really excited about,” Walter said.

“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.”

Fisher joins Duffy, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry and Nathan Smith are the pace bowlers vying for spots in the test team.

Walter said Bracewell’s unavailability had previously been agreed to and factored into his central contract.

He said he respected the decisions of Bracewell and Williamson to miss the tour.

“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.”

Patel last played for the Black Caps when he was player of the match in the third of their three wins over India in November. He took 5-103 and 6-57 in that test.

Black Caps 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.

Black Caps T20 squad: Mitch Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

T20 tri-series in Harare

16 July v South Africa

18 July v Zimbabwe

22 July v South Africa

24 July v Zimbabwe

26 July, Final.

Test series, Queen Sports Club, Bulawayo

30 July- 3 Aug, First test

7-11 Aug, Second test