Blackcaps Reinforce Bowling Lineup with Fisher, O'Rourke, and Tickner for Upcoming Bangladesh Series
Synopsis
New Zealand's cricket team has fortified its bowling strength with the returns of Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Blair Tickner ahead of the Bangladesh white-ball series. Their comeback follows recovery from injuries, adding depth and experience to the squad.
Key Takeaways
Matt Fisher , Will O’Rourke , and Blair Tickner return to strengthen the bowling lineup.
Tom Latham will lead the squads in Bangladesh.
Dean Foxcroft is back in the white-ball setup.
The Blackcaps depart for Bangladesh on April 13.
Inclusion of several players from New Zealand A following strong performances.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) New Zealand has bolstered their bowling lineup with the return of Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Blair Tickner.
All three players have been included in the Blackcaps squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh later this month.
This trio of fast bowlers is making a comeback after injuries interrupted their home season. O'Rourke is back in the ODI squad following a back injury. Fisher returns for the T20Is after dealing with a shin issue, while Tickner, who has recovered from an ankle injury, is named for both formats.
Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter expressed his enthusiasm for their return, commending their dedication. “Will, Blair, and Matt have put in significant effort over recent months to regain their fitness and be considered for selection. We are thrilled to have them back in the squad. Given the volume of cricket being played, having depth in our bowling is essential, and the return of players of this caliber is beneficial for our team.”
The squads also feature off-spinning allrounder Dean Foxcroft, making his white-ball comeback for the first time since April 2024.
During the 2025–26 domestic season with the Central Stags, Foxcroft played a pivotal role in their journey to the Ford Trophy final, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition.
With regular white-ball captain Mitch Santner busy with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Test captain Tom Latham will lead both squads.
Several players secured their positions following impressive performances for New Zealand A in Sri Lanka. This includes Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, and Ben Sears. Notably, Clarke and Jayden Lennox made a mark during New Zealand’s historic ODI series victory in India earlier this year.
The coaching staff will see Walter joined by Jonny Bassett-Graham, Brendon Donkers, and Josh Tasman-Jones for the tour.
The Blackcaps are scheduled to depart for Bangladesh on April 13, with the first ODI slated for April 17.
Squads:
ODI:
Tom Latham (C), Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young
T20I:
Tom Latham (C), Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Bevon Jacobs, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner
Point of View
The return of these experienced bowlers is a strategic move for New Zealand cricket. Their experience and skill are invaluable, especially when competing internationally. The team's depth is crucial as they prepare for a challenging series against Bangladesh.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the returning players for New Zealand?
The returning players are Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Blair Tickner.
What are the formats of the upcoming series against Bangladesh?
The series will consist of ODIs and T20Is.
Who will captain the New Zealand team in the absence of Mitch Santner?
Tom Latham will captain both squads.
When does the Blackcaps' tour of Bangladesh begin?
The Blackcaps are set to leave for Bangladesh on April 13, with the first ODI scheduled for April 17.
What role did Dean Foxcroft play in the domestic season?
Dean Foxcroft played a significant role for the Central Stags, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Ford Trophy.
