Matt Fisher receives maiden NZ Test Call-up with Williamson continuing his absence from the Test side against Zimbabwe.
For the forthcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, fast bowler Matt Fisher has been called up for the first time to the New Zealand team.
Due to a contract he signed with Middlesex that includes playing for London Spirit in the Hundred, Kane Williamson is still unavailable for New Zealand. Michael Bracewell, an offspin-bowling all-rounder who plays for MI New York in the MLC, was also unable to play in the Zimbabwe Test series, which falls during the Hundred. According to a board statement, Bracewell’s £200,000 contract with Southern Brave was “agreed and factored into his NZC central contract.”
Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand, stated that he accepted both players’ decisions because the two Test matches in Zimbabwe were not included in the World Test Championship (WTC).
“Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process,” Walter said.
“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.”
Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson, two fast bowlers, were also unable to travel to Zimbabwe. Sears is recuperating from a side injury he sustained during MLC that will take an additional two to four weeks of rehabilitation, while Jamieson is taking a personal vacation while he awaits the arrival of his first child.
Fisher, 25, has taken 51 wickets at an average of 24.11 in 14 first-class games thus far. Additionally, he played for New Zealand A in India in 2022, taking four wickets, including Rajat Patidar’s. Fisher, who is under contract with Northern Districts, played for New Zealand in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup.
Without Sears, Fisher’s ability to reach 140 kph might give New Zealand’s attack a competitive edge.