Commonwealth Games
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Racing
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Blackcaps coach hails squad depth after successful journey abroad
Sport Nation • July 23rd, 2026 9:31 am
Rob Walter | Photo: Photosport
Blackcaps coach Rob Walter has praised his side's adaptability and depth after a successful two months on the road.
During visits to Ireland, England and the West Indies, New Zealand won six of their nine matches with both red and white ball, with Walter particularly pleased by the contributions of the newcomers to their squad.
"I'm very proud of the way the guys have conducted themselves throughout," Walter told Sport Nation Mornings. "They've got great pride in themselves and the way they represent.
"We've been tested and challenged in very different conditions along the way. To look back and have done so well across all the series has been really awesome."
Walter singled out spinner Jayden Lennox, who claimed 14 wickets at 13.64 in the West Indies, while also praising debutants Matt Fisher and Dean Foxcroft, as well as batter Nick Kelly.
Millsy weighs in on Blackcaps' heroics in England | Millsy & Guy
"It's great to give them different opportunities in different conditions against different opposition and just see how they stack up," he said.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup still more than a year away, Walter said exposing more players to international cricket would only strengthen New Zealand's depth.
"The best thing we can do is have a group of players that are ready for international cricket come the time to select a World Cup squad."
Walter also provided an encouraging update on some of the Blackcaps' injured stars, confirming Matt Henry is on track to play in The Hundred, while the hip strain which kept Daryl Mitchell out of the final two matches of the ODI series against the West Indies isn't considered serious. Meanwhile, Ben Sears is continuing to assess an ankle issue.
Listen to the full interview below:
