Black Caps v Zimbabwe: Kane Williamson opts out of test series, Northern Districts’ Matt Fisher wins first call-up

As had been expected, Kane Williamson has made himself unavailable for the Black Caps’ two-test series away in Zimbabwe this month.

The 34-year-old had already opted out of New Zealand’s Twenty20 tri-series with the hosts and South Africa so he could take up a stint in England with county side Middlesex, and the Hundred outfit the London Spirit.

Williamson remains on a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket and is able to opt out of series and tours if they clash with franchise commitments.

Along the same lines, all-rounder Michael Bracewell has also made himself unavailable and will take part in the Hundred after being drafted by the Southern Brave for $450,000 earlier this year.

Bracewell does hold a New Zealand Cricket central contract but has been afforded the opportunity to play in England instead of Zimbabwe.

In their places, Henry Nicholls has earned a test recall and could don the whites for New Zealand for the first time since December 2023.

The 33-year-old had been a reliable fulcrum of the Black Caps’ middle order but lost his place to Rachin Ravindra during the 2024/25 home summer. Nicholls will compete with Will Young for Williamson’s traditional No 3 spot in the batting order.

Bracewell, meanwhile, has been replaced by Ajaz Patel, who missed out on a central contract for the 2025/26 season. Patel largely finds himself as an overseas specialist now, and admitted after last year’s 3-0 series victory over India that he was unsure if he would play for the Black Caps again, given their lack of test series in the subcontinent in the coming years.

However, while Williamson has opted out of the tour, fellow casual contract holder Devon Conway has made himself available and been selected.

The 33-year-old has become a regular on the franchise Twenty20 circuit and opted out of a central contract last year. In that time, Conway has taken up short-term deals in India, South Africa and the US.

In the bowling ranks, Northern Districts’ Matt Fisher is in line to make his international debut after receiving his first call-up.

The 25-year-old has impressed in red-ball cricket for the Brave and taken 51 wickets in 14 Plunket Shield matches, at an average of just over 24.

Fisher’s inclusion comes after the retirement of former test captain Tim Southee at the end of 2024, while Kyle Jamieson (paternity leave) and Ben Sears (injured) are both unavailable for the tour.

“Matt’s someone we’re really excited about,” said new Black Caps coach Rob Walter. “He’s one of the fastest bowlers in the country and we think he’s got an X-factor.”

Jacob Duffy could also be in line for a test debut, having cemented himself as a fixture in New Zealand’s white-ball sides. At the time of selection, Duffy is the world’s No 1 ranked T20 bowler.

The Black Caps’ two-test series begins on July 30 in Bulawayo.

Black Caps test squad: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, 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

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.