New Zealand will tour Zimbabwe for a two-match Test series, starting July 30, without two of their senior players, Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell. Both cricketers are unavailable for selection due to existing commitments with overseas T20 franchises, a decision that had been discussed and agreed upon in advance with New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Williamson is currently playing for Middlesex in the English County Championship and is also expected to play for London Spirit in The Hundred. Bracewell is representing MI New York in Major League Cricket 2025 (MLC 2025) and was picked up by Southern Brave for the upcoming season of The Hundred.
As the series against Zimbabwe is not part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, NZC and the national selectors have taken a flexible approach toward player availability.
T20 Commitments Rule Kane Williamson, Michael Bracewell Out of Zimbabwe Tour
Head coach Rob Walter, who recently succeeded Gary Stead, acknowledged the situation and confirmed that both Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell had communicated their plans during the contract discussions. While their absence will be felt, Walter sees this as a chance for others to step up.
"Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process," Walter said as quoted.
"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," he added.
In Williamson and Bracewell’s absence, New Zealand have named a 15-man squad for the red-ball tour of Zimbabwe, led by Tom Latham. The team includes a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh faces with Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls returning to the red-ball setup.
Uncapped seamer Matt Fisher has been handed his maiden Test call-up. Fisher, who has impressed in domestic cricket, could be making his debut. Another pace option, Jacob Duffy, who has featured for New Zealand in limited-overs formats, is also in the mix for his first Test cap.
The selectors have had to work around a few other unavailabilities. Fast-bowler Ben Sears is out with a side strain and Kyle Jamieson has chosen to stay back in New Zealand as he prepares to welcome his first child.
The squad also features other prominent names such as Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips.
New Zealand Squad for Zimbabwe Test Series
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
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