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July 8, 2025

Here's why Kane Williamson is not part of New Zealand's squad for Zimbabwe Tests

Here's why Kane Williamson is not part of New Zealand's squad for Zimbabwe Tests
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New Zealand’s veteran batter Kane Williamson will sit out the upcoming two-Test series in Zimbabwe (30 July–7 August), as the iconic batsman continues his overseas commitments and focuses on load management.

Williamson opted to skip New Zealand’s central contract for the second straight year, shifting his focus to a workload-friendly approach that accommodates both county and franchise schedules.

He signed a two-year deal with Middlesex, ensuring participation in both the County Championship and the Vitality Blast in England. Additionally, he is contracted to play in The Hundred with London Spirit, whose schedule overlaps with the Zimbabwe Tests.

Head coach Rob Walter acknowledged that Williamson and Michael Bracewell were upfront during contracting about their availability preferences. Walter noted the Tests in Zimbabwe were not part of the World Test Championship, making adjustments more palatable.

The board respected their decisions, fully supporting their choice to pursue opportunities abroad without jeopardising future availability. Williamson’s absence opens the door for fresh leadership under Tom Latham, with uncapped talent like Matt Fisher also breaking into the squad, according to Reuters.

While New Zealand’s selectors look to diversify their squad and workload strategy, they maintain Williamson's Test availability for key fixtures like ICC finals.

Kane Williamson’s decision to skip the Zimbabwe tour reflects a strategic balance between international duty and preserving longevity—aligning with modern cricket's shifting priorities and his own career management. His focus on Test cricket remains clear, even as his central contract status evolves.


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