The New Zealand Test Squad, known as the BLACKCAPS, is the national men’s cricket team representing New Zealand in Test match cricket, governed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) with core values of respect, tenacity, optimism, inclusivity, and fun, aiming to make cricket New Zealand’s favorite game—a “game for all, a game for life.” Currently led by captain Tim Southee, with Tom Latham as vice-captain and Gary Stead as head coach, the squad blends seasoned veterans like Kane Williamson with promising emerging talent. They made history by winning their first-ever Test series in India 3-0 in late 2024 and famously secured the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, cementing their status as a formidable force in global Test cricket.
| PLAYER NAME | ROLE | STYLE | JERSEY NUMBER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Latham (Captain) | Wicketkeeper | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium | 48 |
| Kane Williamson | Batter | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 22 |
| Tom Blundell | Wicketkeeper | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 66 |
| Rachin Ravindra | Allrounder | Batting: Left hand Bat Bowling: Slow Left arm Orthodox | 8 |
| Michael Bracewell | Wicketkeeper | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 4 |
| Devon Conway | Wicketkeeper | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium | 88 |
| William O’ Rourke | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 9 |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Fast medium | 21 |
| Kyle Jamieson | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Fast medium | 12 |
| Daryl Mitchell | Allrounder | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium | 75 |
| Henry Nicholls | Batter | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 86 |
| Ajaz Patel | Bowler | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Slow Left arm Orthodox | 24 |
| Tim Southee | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 38 |
| Glenn Phillips | Allrounder/Wicketkeeper | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 23 |
| Mitchell Santner | Allrounder | Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Slow Left arm Orthodox | 74 |
| Will Young | Batter | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm off-break | 32 |
| Doug Bracewell | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Fast medium | 34 |
| Ish Sodhi | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Legbreak | 61 |
| Blair Tickner | Bowler | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 13 |
| Nathan Smith | Allrounder | Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right arm Medium fast | 20 |
ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND TEST SQUAD
Captain – Tom Latham
Head Coach – Rob Watler
Batting /Bowling Coach – Luke Ronchi, Jacob Oram
Fielding Coach – James Foster
History and Key Events
New Zealand played their first recognized Test cricket match against England in the 1929/30 season.
First Test Series Win in India: The BLACKCAPS made history by securing their first-ever Test series victory in India in October-November 2024, winning the three-match series 3-0. This marked India’s first Test series defeat at home since 2012 and their first 3-0 whitewash in a home Test series.
- The first Test was won by 8 wickets in Bengaluru, New Zealand’s first Test win in India after 36 years.
- The second Test was won by 113 runs in Pune.
- The third Test was won by 25 runs in Mumbai.
ICC World Test Championship (WTC): New Zealand won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, defeating India in the final by 8 wickets. The 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final is scheduled to be held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
Milestone Matches: In March 2024, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson both reached the incredible milestone of 100 Test matches, becoming the fifth and sixth BLACKCAPS to do so.
Player Retirements: In February 2024, Neil Wagner announced his retirement from his illustrious 64-Test career, finishing fifth on New Zealand’s list of top Test wicket-takers with 260 wickets. Tim Southee has also announced plans to retire from Test cricket at the completion of the current World Test Championship campaign.
Tangiwai Shield: In February, the Tangiwai Shield was unveiled to commemorate the tragic 1953 rail disaster. The BLACKCAPS lifted this shield for the first time by beating South Africa 2-0 in a two-Test series, securing New Zealand’s first-ever Test series victory over South Africa.
Achievements and Records
New Zealand’s Test team has achieved several notable records and milestones:
- Overall Record: As of November 2024, New Zealand has played 478 Test matches, with 119 victories, 189 defeats, and 170 draws, resulting in an overall winning percentage of 24.89%.
- Highest Innings Total: 715/6d against Bangladesh in 2019.
- Lowest Innings Total: 26 against England in 1955.
- Highest Successful Run Chase: 324/5 against Pakistan in Christchurch in 1994.
- Greatest Win Margins:
- By innings: Innings and 301 runs against Zimbabwe in 2012.
- By runs: 423 runs against Sri Lanka in 2018.
- Narrowest win: 1 run against England in February 2023.
- Lowest Innings Total Conceded: 46 runs against India in October 2024.
Famous Players
- Kane Williamson: Regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest batsmen, holding records for most career runs, centuries, and double centuries. He also captained the Test side 40 times for 22 wins before stepping down.
- Tim Southee: A veteran fast bowler, second only to Richard Hadlee in career Test wickets for New Zealand. He is the current Test captain and one of only six New Zealanders to play 100 Tests.
- Richard Hadlee: Widely considered New Zealand’s greatest cricketer, holding records for most career wickets and ten-wicket hauls. He is also noted for his all-round ability.
- Ross Taylor: A prolific batsman, second in career runs and among those with most centuries and double centuries. He is one of two players (along with Daniel Vettori) to play 112 Tests for New Zealand, the most matches by a New Zealander.
- Brendon McCullum: Known for his aggressive batting, he scored New Zealand’s only triple century in Tests. He is also known for playing 101 consecutive Tests.
- Daniel Vettori: A leading spin bowler, third in career wickets, and one of two players to play 112 Tests. He also captained the team in 32 Tests.
- Stephen Fleming: Former long-standing captain (80 matches, 28 wins) and among the top run-scorers and leading non-wicket-keeping catchers.
- Neil Wagner: A key fast bowler known for his tenacity, finishing fifth in career Test wickets for New Zealand.
- Rachin Ravindra: A promising all-rounder who has made a significant impact, especially in recent years, winning the ICC Emerging Player of the Year award and scoring the highest maiden Test century for New Zealand.
- Daryl Mitchell: A strong batter who has performed exceptionally in Test cricket, including scoring 538 runs in a series against England.
- Devon Conway: A rapid scorer, he was the fastest New Zealander to reach 1,000 runs in Tests.
- Matt Henry: A fast bowler who has achieved impressive bowling figures, including 7/23 in an innings and 5/15 in the recent India Test series.
- Ajaz Patel: Achieved the unique feat of taking all 10 wickets in a Test innings.
- Will O’Rourke: Recently debuted with the best Test match figures on debut for New Zealand.
FAQs
The New Zealand Test Squad is known as the BLACKCAPS.
NZC operates with core values like respect, tenacity, optimism, inclusivity, and fun.
NZC’s vision is for cricket to be New Zealand’s favorite game, a “game for all, a game for life.”
Players
Kane Williamson is regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest batsmen.
He holds records for most career wickets and ten-wicket hauls, and is noted for his all-round ability.
Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori.
Brendon McCullum.
Records
As of November 2024, New Zealand has played 478 Test matches, with 119 victories, 189 defeats, and 170 draws, resulting in a winning percentage of 24.89%.
Their highest innings total is 715/6d against Bangladesh in 2019
Their lowest innings total is 26 against England in 1955.
Kane Williamson leads with 9,276 runs.
Achievements
New Zealand played their first recognized Test cricket match against England in the 1929/30 season.
They secured their first-ever Test series victory in India in October-November 2024, winning the three-match series 3-0.
It was India’s first Test series defeat at home since 2012 and the first time they were whitewashed 3-0 in a home Test series.
New Zealand won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, defeating India in the final.
Tim Southee and Kane Williamson both reached the milestone of 100 Test matches.
Neil Wagner announced his retirement, finishing fifth on New Zealand’s list of top Test wicket-takers with 260 wickets.
The Tangiwai Shield commemorates the 1953 rail disaster. The BLACKCAPS lifted it for the first time in February 2024 by beating South Africa 2-0, securing their first-ever Test series victory over South Africa.