Kiwis Set to Face West Indies in Five-Game One-Day Series; Captain Michel Stevenson Leads Squad

New Zealand’s cricket board has confirmed a 16‑man squad that will travel to the West Indies for a five‑match One‑Day International series, with the fixtures slated for 12‑22 July in Auckland.

The squad features a newcomer to the ODI arena, right‑arm fast bowler Matthew Fisher. The 28‑year‑old has claimed 32 wickets in 35 List A games and can contribute useful runs lower down the order.

Michel Stevenson will wear the captain’s armband for the limited‑overs side, while long‑time Test leader Tom Latham will keep wicket. The pace battery includes Christian Clark, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith, each bringing veteran speed and accuracy.

Jacob Duffy returns to bolster the swing department, and the spin quartet is made up of Michael Bracewell, Jaden Lenox and Dean Foxcroft.

Head coach Rob Walter spoke of the “high energy” and “all‑round skill sets” that Fisher and Duffy add, stressing Fisher’s ability to bowl effectively at various stages of a match.

Several regulars – Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke – have been rested for the tour. Devon Conway will miss the series following the birth of his second child. Rachin Ravindra is excluded because of a pre‑existing IPL contract with New Zealand Cricket.

The final list reads: Michel Stevenson (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Christian Clark, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Mich Hew, Nick Kelly, Tom Latham, Jaden Lenox, Derrell Mitchell, Henry Nicholas, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith and Will Young.