Fisher Set for ODI Debut as New Zealand Begin 2027 World Cup Preparations

Fast bowler Matthew Fisher is in line to make his One-Day International (ODI) debut after being named in New Zealand's squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting on July 11. The series marks the beginning of New Zealand's preparations for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, with selectors aiming to identify the best combinations for the tournament in southern Africa.

Regular ODI captain Mitchell Santner returns to lead the side after missing the Bangladesh series due to IPL commitments. He replaces Tom Latham, who captained a second-string New Zealand team in a 2-1 series defeat in Bangladesh earlier this year.



Several first-choice players have also returned to the squad, including Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, and pace bowler Jacob Duffy, who missed the recent Test series in England while on paternity leave. Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay is back as Latham's deputy after Devon Conway was granted leave following the birth of his second child.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Will O'Rourke, and Blair Tickner have been left out. Senior pacers Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Will O'Rourke have been rested after heavy workloads during the England Test series, while Tickner is set to undergo ankle surgery. Top-order batter Rachin Ravindra will also miss the tour due to a pre-arranged commitment to play in Major League Cricket.

New Zealand head selector Gavin Larsen said the upcoming ODI assignments against the West Indies, India, and Sri Lanka would play a crucial role in shaping the World Cup squad.

"We don't have a huge amount of ODI cricket before the 2027 World Cup, so these series are extremely important. They will help us assess combinations, expose players to international cricket, and build the squad well ahead of the tournament," Larsen said.

He added that head coach Rob Walter, who has extensive knowledge of South African conditions, has already begun discussions on the ideal balance of the team based on expected playing conditions at the World Cup.

Larsen also expressed confidence in Fisher, describing him as a player the selectors have monitored closely despite his injury setbacks.

"Matthew has been on our radar for a couple of years. Injuries have interrupted his progress, but it's fantastic to have him back fully fit. This tour provides him with a great opportunity to showcase his abilities," Larsen said. He also praised all-rounder Kristian Clarke, highlighting his impressive development and the opportunity the series presents for him.

Returning fast bowler Jacob Duffy admitted that earning a place in New Zealand's 2027 World Cup squad is a major motivation.

"The ODI World Cup is one of the pinnacle events in cricket. The build-up starts now, and everyone is competing for spots in that squad," Duffy said.

The first three ODIs will be played in Providence, Guyana, on July 11, 13, and 16, before the final two matches are held at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on July 19 and 21.

New Zealand ODI Squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Hay (wk), Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, and Will Young.

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