ZIM vs NZ 2025: New Zealand announce squad for two-match Test series, Matt Fisher earns maiden call-up in the format

New Zealand announced a 15-man squad for the forthcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to get underway from July 30 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This series is not a part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle.

One of the glaring points to come out of the squad selection was the absence of experienced campaigners Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell. Williamson will not be available due to his county commitments. The former New Zealand captain, after his stint with Middlesex, will represent London Spirit in the Hundred. On the other hand, Bracewell, who is playing in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, will also be involved in the Hundred. He has been signed by Southern Brave for £200,000, as per a statement from the New Zealand Cricket Board.

Kiwi head coach Rob Walter shared his take on the absence of the two experienced campaigners, mentioning that he respects their decision.

"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 that these Tests aren’t part of the ICC World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion," Walter was quoted as saying by A Sports.

Fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears will also miss the tour due to different reasons. While Jamieson has made himself unavailable because he is awaiting the birth of his first child, Sears was sidelined due to a side injury, which will take two to four weeks to heal.

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has made a comeback to the New Zealand squad for the first time since the Kiwis' historic series whitewash of India last year. Left-handed batter Henry Nicholls also returns to the scene for the first time since 2023. Meanwhile, Northern Districts fast bowler Matt Fisher has received his first-ever Test call-up.

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.