Pace bowler Matt Fisher has received his first call-up to the NZ Test squad

*Cricbuzz Staff* Pace bowler Matt Fisher has received his first call-up to the New Zealand Test squad, as selectors announced a 15-member team on Monday (July 7) for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, and Ben Sears were not available for selection.

Ajaz Patel makes his return to the Test squad for the first time since his outstanding performance against India in Mumbai last November, which played a key role in New Zealand's historic 3-0 series victory. Henry Nicholls is also back in the fold for the first time since December 2023. Williamson decided to sit out to effectively manage his playing schedule, while Bracewell is unavailable due to prior commitments to The Hundred, as stipulated in his NZC central contract. Sears is out of action for both white-ball and red-ball matches against Zimbabwe due to a side injury that requires an additional two to four weeks to heal. Jamieson opted to step back as he awaits the arrival of his first child.