The Black Caps faced Zimbabwe in the first Test of a two-match series held in Bulawayo, marking their return to the format after more than seven months. This match is significant for the New Zealand team, as they have a strong historical record against Zimbabwe, having never lost a Test to them in their 17 encounters since 1992.

With key players absent, including Kane Williamson due to participation in the Hundred T20 tournament and Glenn Phillips sidelined by a groin injury, the Black Caps made several adjustments to their lineup. Michael Bracewell was brought in as a replacement for Phillips, while Tom Latham was expected to lead the side but was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. This paved the way for Mitchell Santner to captain the team for the first time in a Test match.

Aside from these notable omissions, the squad largely resembles the one that played against England in December 2023. Devon Conway returned to the team after missing the third Test against England for the birth of his child. The squad also welcomed Matthew Fisher, a fast bowler from Northern Districts, who is anticipated to compete for a bowling position alongside Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy.

Zimbabwe, led by captain Craig Ervine, has faced challenges recently, suffering four consecutive defeats, three of which were by an innings. Their last Test match was against South Africa earlier this month, where they struggled against the Proteas’ captain, Wiann Mulder, who scored an impressive 367 runs before the declaration.

The Black Caps squad consists of:
– Mitchell Santner (captain)
– Tom Blundell
– Devon Conway
– Jacob Duffy
– Matthew Fisher
– Matt Henry
– Daryl Mitchell
– Henry Nicholls
– Will O’Rourke
– Ajaz Patel
– Rachin Ravindra
– Nathan Smith
– Will Young
– Tom Latham (out of first Test)

On the Zimbabwe side, players include:
– Craig Ervine (captain)
– Ben Curran
– Roy Kaia
– Clive Madande
– Tanunurwa Makoni
– Tafadzwa Tsiga
– Nick Welch
– Brian Bennett
– Sikandar Raza
– Sean Williams
– Tanaka Chivanga
– Trevor Gwandu
– Wellington Masakadza
– Vincent Masekesa
– Blessing Muzarabani
– Newman Nyamhuri

The newly appointed coach of the Black Caps, Rob Walter, is making his Test debut, having previously led the team to five victories in the T20 format. The 49-year-old South African coach aims to guide the team across all formats until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in November 2028.

Importantly, while both teams are vying for a win, there are no World Test Championship points at stake in this series, as Zimbabwe is not part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship. The Black Caps will begin their WTC campaign in December against the West Indies.

Historically, the Black Caps have maintained control over their matches against Zimbabwe, winning 11 of the 17 Tests played, with six resulting in draws. Their most recent match against Zimbabwe took place nine years ago, and New Zealand has won the last six encounters, with the last draw occurring in 2000.

Play in the first Test is set to commence daily at 20:00 NZT. The schedule includes three sessions: the first from 20:00 to 22:00, the second from 22:40 to 00:40, and the third from 01:00 to 03:00. Fans can follow live updates through The Herald, with tests being broadcast live and free on ThreeNow.

As the Black Caps aim to extend their unbeaten streak against Zimbabwe, the focus remains on how the new captain and coaching staff will navigate the challenges ahead.

Wellington Phoenix has appointed Bev Priestman as the new head coach of the women’s team for the upcoming A-League seasons. This announcement comes after a tumultuous period for Priestman, who previously served as the head coach of the Canada Women’s Team. She faced severe repercussions following a drone spying scandal during the 2023 Paris Olympics, which saw Canada caught surveilling the New Zealand team, known as the Football Ferns.

Priestman expressed her relief at finding a new beginning in New Zealand, stating that her time in Canada left her feeling unsafe and overwhelmed. “I didn’t leave my house for a month,” she revealed, reflecting on the media scrutiny and pressure her family faced. “It was very difficult for my family, but I have to wear that.” The coach noted that the situation prompted her and her family to relocate back to New Zealand, where they felt a sense of safety and belonging.

Having spent ten years in New Zealand earlier in her career, Priestman is eager to reconnect with local players and the football community. Her family, including her wife, who played for New Zealand, and her son, who is a Kiwi, played a significant role in their decision to return. “We knew we had to get out of that country and focus on family,” she said.

Reflecting on her experiences over the past year, Priestman acknowledges the impact it has had on her coaching philosophy. “I am a more well-rounded coach now,” she stated. “When I’m working with players, I think I’ll have a greater empathy for people who have had situations in their life.” The emotional toll of her past year’s challenges has shaped her approach to leadership and mentorship, which she hopes to foster within her new role.

The response from the New Zealand football community has been overwhelmingly positive. Priestman mentioned receiving warm welcomes from current and former players, which she described as “really special.” She emphasized the importance of building trust as she steps back into the spotlight. “I was so excited with Wednesday’s announcement, but also a little bit traumatized from the media side of things,” she said. “Now I feel ready, I’ve got that itch, and today feels like Christmas for me.”

Looking ahead, the A-League Women’s season is set to kick off in late October 2023, and Priestman is focused on preparing her team for the upcoming challenges. Her journey has not only been about overcoming past difficulties but also about embracing new opportunities and growth. As she embarks on this new chapter, her commitment to reflection and personal development stands as a testament to her resilience.

With her new role, Priestman aims to create a supportive environment for her players, fostering both their skills and personal well-being. As she integrates into the Phoenix organization, she remains dedicated to helping the team thrive in the competitive landscape of women’s football.

The Black Caps are set to face a significant challenge as they prepare for the first Test against Zimbabwe, beginning on August 7, 2024, in Bulawayo. Captain Tom Latham and all-rounder Glenn Phillips will miss the match due to injuries, prompting a reshuffle in the lineup. Will Young will take on the role of opening batsman, while Mitchell Santner steps in as captain for this Test, marking a pivotal moment for the team.

Santner acknowledged the impact of losing Latham and Phillips, stating, “They’re two massive parts of our side. Glenn plays a crucial all-round role, and Tom has been opening the batting effectively for a long time.” Despite these losses, he remains optimistic, emphasizing the readiness of the team to adapt. “We have players who can step up and do their job, which is reassuring,” he added.

As the Black Caps embark on this new chapter, Santner becomes the 32nd Test skipper for the team. He expressed his respect for Latham’s leadership, highlighting, “It’s still Tom’s team, and his opinions matter greatly. My focus is on keeping things straightforward as we transition into this match.”

The Black Caps enter this Test with confidence, bolstered by their recent success in the Tri-Series T20 tournament where they remained unbeaten against South Africa and Zimbabwe. Coach Rob Walter expressed his belief in the team’s ability to cope with the absence of key players. “Mitch did an outstanding job in the T20 series. He’s a natural leader with the respect of his teammates,” Walter noted.

With Latham sidelined, the batting lineup has been rearranged. Young will open alongside Devon Conway, while Henry Nicholls has been added to the playing XI. Walter confirmed, “Michael Bracewell is also in the eleven, which gives us two spin options with Santner.” He highlighted the potential of Rachin Ravindra, who is on track to establish himself as a genuine all-rounder.

Looking ahead to the pitch conditions in Bulawayo, Walter commented on the expected dry surface. “We’re fortunate that our all-rounders are spinners, which provides a different balance,” he explained. Although the pitch typically offers little turn, he acknowledged the need for flexibility. “If conditions change, we must be prepared for any situation.”

The first Test between the Black Caps and Zimbabwe is set to commence at 20:00 NZT on Thursday. As the team navigates these changes, they remain focused on building upon their recent successes and adapting to the challenges ahead.

Negotiations to reintegrate Richie Mo’unga into the All Blacks are reportedly stalled due to uncertainties surrounding his eligibility to resume international play. The 31-year-old former Crusaders fly-half is currently under contract with Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus, which complicates his potential return to New Zealand rugby.

Mo’unga signed with Toshiba in late 2022, shortly before it was announced that Scott Robertson would succeed Ian Foster as head coach of the All Blacks after the 2023 World Cup. This timing has led to speculation about whether Mo’unga can be persuaded to return to the national team when his contract ends, and if so, when he would be eligible to play again. The situation has become a significant talking point in the current rugby landscape.

The relationship between Mo’unga and Robertson has always been noteworthy. Robertson famously referred to Mo’unga as his “franchise quarterback” during their time together at the Crusaders. Yet, the coach’s ambition to bring Mo’unga back has been met with challenges, particularly regarding the conditions of his contract in Japan.

Mo’unga has expressed his longing for international rugby, which adds emotional weight to the discussion. His commitment to Toshiba has left him feeling regretful about missing out on representing New Zealand, particularly during pivotal moments such as the ongoing World Cup cycle.

Robertson’s attempts to facilitate Mo’unga’s early release from his contract have reportedly been met with resistance. This has led to frustration on both sides, as the All Blacks look to strengthen their squad with a player who has shown remarkable skill and leadership on the field.

The situation raises important questions about player contracts and international eligibility rules, which can often be complex in professional sports. As negotiations continue, both Mo’unga and Robertson remain hopeful for a resolution that will allow the talented fly-half to rejoin the national team.

The All Blacks, renowned for their competitive spirit, are in need of skilled players as they navigate the challenges of the World Cup. Whether Mo’unga will be part of that journey remains uncertain, but his return would undoubtedly be a significant boost for the team.

As the rugby community watches closely, the coming months will be critical in determining Mo’unga’s future and the All Blacks’ strategic direction moving forward.