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Sport Nation
Walter seeks quality and balance in his first Blackcaps Test squad
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 8th, 2025 3:43 pm
Rob Walter | Photo: Photosport
The Blackcaps announced their team to take on Zimbabwe this morning which includes two uncapped players and a star absent.
Newly assigned coach Rob Walter, says the likes of team skipper Tom Latham, selection manager Sam Wells and the rest of the coaching team who understand the squad's dynamic played a vital role in the team selection.
“No selection is ever done in isolation and this is exactly the same,” Walter told Sport Nation Mornings.
The South African native was appointed as the new Blackcaps coach in June through to the commencement of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2028 co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Star batsman Kane Williamson opted out of this Test as he is currently playing for Middlesex, but Walter says Williamson confirmed he is still interested in playing Test cricket for New Zealand.
“I'm looking forward to him stepping back into the Blackcaps space and I know it won't be too long before that happens,” says Walter.
While recent call-up Matt Fisher is yet to play international Test cricket, Walter is familiar with what he can bring to the Blackcaps' bowling attack from watching him play Plunket Shield for Northern Districts.
Walter said top batters can deal with fast-ball pace, however it becomes a lot harder for them when a ball comes from an arm like Fisher’s.
“I'm excited for what he brings to the environment from an x-factor point of view and that extra pace always helps if you've got it.”
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While there’s plenty of slow bowling options as well, Walter said balance is the key, rather than trying to prove who is best.
"Obviously two of the guys are all-rounders in my eyes and then Ajaz is a standout spinner, although he likes to convince me he's an all-rounder," the Blackcaps coach joked.
“They're all quality, they all offer something different, essentially what the makeup looks like will be the balance of the side based on the conditions and I mean that's what it comes down to.”
Walter said at this stage he plans to have Devon Conway opening and Will Young at three.
“We know Dev's a quality player and quality players find their way back to form. I trust that Dev will do the same and ultimately as staff it's also our job to provide the platform for him to do that.”
Many of the Blackcaps are currently based and playing overseas, and despite it being a tough job, Walter says he is doing his best to keep clear communication and an eye on what they are doing.
New Zealand's first Test against Zimbabwe begins July 30 in Bulawayo.
Listen to the full interview below:
