'He’s got an X-factor': Fisher earns maiden Test call up for Zimbabwe
Sport Nation • July 8th, 2025 5:30 am
Matt Fisher playing Plunket Shield for Northern Districts | Photo: Shane Wenzlick/Photosport
Northern Districts pace bowler Matt Fisher has earned his first call-up to the Blackcaps, named in the 15-player squad for the two-Test tour of Zimbabwe later this month.
Recognised as one of the fastest bowlers in New Zealand, the former New Zealand Under-19 representative has taken 51 first class wickets at an average of 24.11 across 14 matches.
Fisher has been contracted to Northern Districts since 2018 - he played an important role early in ND's successful 2024/25 Plunket Shield campaign, taking 14 wickets at 17.71 in just three matches before an injury ruled him out of action.
Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter considers Fisher’s pace to be a valuable asset to the side.
“Matt’s someone we’re really excited about,” Walter said in a NZC statement.
“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 Blackcaps.”
Red-ball captain Tom Latham will lead a largely settled group for New Zealand’s first Test series in Zimbabwe since 2016.
Fisher’s selection comes during a transitional period for the Blackcaps Test bowling attack.
This follows the departure of long-time spearhead Tim Southee and the rise of Wellington’s Nathan Smith and Ben Sears, who have two and one Test caps respectively. Otago Volts quick Jacob Duffy is also in line for a potential debut.
Blackcap Jacob Duffy on how the English experience has helped his bowling | Sport Nation Cricket
Sears has been ruled out of both the white and red-ball legs of the Zimbabwe tour due to a side injury, which is expected to need a further two to four weeks of recovery. Kyle Jamieson has made himself unavailable as he prepares for the birth of his first child.
Kane Williamson has also made himself unavailable in order to manage his playing schedule. Michael Bracewell was not considered for selection due to a prior commitment to The Hundred, which had already been agreed upon as part of his central contract with New Zealand Cricket.
Walter said he fully respected the decisions of both players.
“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.”
The rest of the squad closely resembles the group that featured in the recent home series against England, with Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls returning to the fold.
Patel was last seen in the Blackcaps Test squad during the historic three-nil series win over India last November, where he was named Player of the Match for his figures of 5 for 103 and 6 for 57.
Nicholls, a left-handed batsman with 56 Test caps and nine hundreds, returns to the squad for the first time since December 2023.
Blackcaps Test squad to play Zimbabwe: 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
* Uncapped
Ish Sodhi on the future of spin bowling in New Zealand | Sport Nation Cricket