Former Blackcaps wicketkeeper-batter set to join the coaching staff in November before taking charge after the India Test series
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling is set to make his return to the Blackcaps setup, taking up the role of batting coach after the completion of the Test series against India in December.
Watling will officially join New Zealand’s support staff on November 16. He will initially work alongside current batting coach Luke Ronchi during a transition period before assuming full responsibility for the role.
His appointment comes as New Zealand prepares for a four-Test tour of Australia, where Watling will begin his tenure as the team’s batting coach.
Watling Brings Strong Test Record
The 41-year-old brings considerable international experience to the coaching position. During his Test career, Watling established himself as one of New Zealand’s most dependable lower-middle-order batters.
He featured in 75 Test matches and accumulated 3,790 runs, including eight centuries and 19 half-centuries. A significant portion of those runs came while he was performing wicketkeeping duties.
Watling scored almost 3,400 Test runs as a wicketkeeper, the highest tally by a New Zealand player in that position. He also holds the national record for Test dismissals behind the stumps, with 265 dismissals.
Former Star Continued Coaching After Retirement
Watling retired from international cricket in 2021 following New Zealand’s victory over India in the inaugural World Test Championship final. Since then, he has remained involved in cricket through coaching roles in New Zealand’s domestic setup.
His return to the international environment now gives him an opportunity to work with a new generation of Blackcaps players while contributing his experience from one of the most successful periods in New Zealand Test cricket.
Watling has welcomed the opportunity to rejoin the national team and work with the current squad. He sees the position as a chance to contribute to a group that has achieved significant success in recent years.
Latham Welcomes Watling’s Return
New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham has also backed the appointment, highlighting Watling’s commitment and character during his playing career.
Latham believes those qualities can carry into Watling’s coaching role as he becomes part of the support staff and helps develop the team’s batting unit.
The transition will begin in November, with Watling working alongside Ronchi before formally taking over following the India series.