By Manoj 
New Zealand have announced their squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against the West Indies, with fast bowler Matthew Fisher receiving a call-up that could lead to his international debut when the series begins on July 11. This selection is a major step in the context of the preparations for New Zealand’s next ODI World Cup – the 2027 ICC tournament where selectors not only begin to work towards combinations but also identify which players could form part of that squad to be built over the next 18 months.
Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell and Jacob Duffy are among a number of first-choice players who have also been recalled to the 50-over setup. Mitchell is one of New Zealand’s most dependable performers across the formats, and Bracewell adds a much-needed balance with his spin bowling and middle-order batting. Duffy is back after sitting out the recent Test tour of England on paternity leave.
Wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay has been brought in to serve as the reserve wicketkeeper behind Tom Latham with Devon Conway available after paternity leave on birth of second child. Conway was also on the England Test tour at one point but flew home for family reasons.
Missing from the squad that toured Bangladesh are Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Will O’Rourke and Blair Tickner. After significant workloads through the recent Test series in England, senior fast bowlers Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson have been rested along with Will O’Rourke whilst Duncan Tickner is set to undergo ankle surgery.
New Zealand’s focus has already moved to the 2027 World Cup, head selector Gavin Larsen confirmed. On the next ODI series against West Indies, and home series against India and Sri Lanka, he said: “This will impact a lot in finalising the squad for the World Cup. The number of ODI matches scheduled leading up the tournament is limited so, as Larsen pointed out, these series however few will be key for testing combinations and having a look at players.
Larsen said he and head coach Rob Walter had already begun talking about start-stop conditions in southern Africa, pitch behaviour, day-night matches and the hard balance necessary to pull off a great World Cup campaign. And with their long-term planning, New Zealand will be looking to the experience of former player Walter – Given his familiarity with conditions in South Africa.
He praised Matthew Fisher too – a bowler he said has been on New Zealand’s radar for quite some time. Injury has previously hampered Fisher’s career but his return to full fitness helped convince selectors he merits an international opportunity. Allrounder Kristian Clarke has also progressed very well, and Larsen feels the West Indies tour will be invaluable for him.
One of the many fast bowlers returning to New Zealand colours next November, Jacob Duffy clearly identified the ODI World Cup as one of cricket’s leading events globally. Thinking back to the 2015 and 2019 tournaments, Duffy said those were some of the peaks of his time watching cricket, and there would be fierce competition for New Zealand squad spots.
The series will be held at a number of venues in Guyana and Barbados.Hosted at various facilities across Guyana & Barbados, the five-match series. The first three ODIs will be hosted by Providence, Guyana (July 11,13, 16) while the fourth and fifth are in Kensington Oval, Barbados (July 19,21).
The squad for New Zealand comprises established stars and young guns, including Mitchell Santner (c), Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Hay and Matthew Fisher. And many more mostly from the domestic circuit of the country! It is one of the rare chances for fringe players to catch selectors’ eyes and assist New Zealand in their quest towards a projected 2027 World Cup.
The series could also herald the start of a new international ODI career for Matthew Fisher. This is New Zealand’s first big step of a structured World Cup preparation that will span the home series against India and Sri Lanka to come.
New Zealand squad for ODI series in the West Indies 2026
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Mark Chapman, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Will Young.