BJ Watling appointed New Zealand men's batting coach

New Zealand have named former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling as their batting coach. Watling will take over from Luke Ronchi following New Zealand’s Test series against India in December.

Watling, who retired from international cricket in 2021, has played 75 Tests, 28 ODIs and five T20Is for New Zealand. He finished his Test career with 3790 runs – the most for a wicketkeeper-batter from New Zealand – at an average of 37.52. He retired after the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021, bowing out with five catches and the trophy.

According to an NZC release, he will join the national side on November 16 and complete a transition period with Ronchi before taking over the role when the side heads to Australia for a four-Test series starting December 9. Overall, he has played 178 first-class matches, finishing his career with over 10,034 runs including 18 centuries.

Since his retirement, Watling has coached New Zealand domestic teams Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts, and was part of the latter’s 2025-26 Super Smash win and 2024-25 Plunket Shield title.

“I’m incredibly excited,” Watling said. “To come back into the team and work with this current group is a special opportunity and one I don’t take lightly. What this side and the support staff have achieved together over recent years has been remarkable, so I’m looking forward to contributing to a world-class side.”

Test captain Tom Latham said he expected Watling to fit into the role seamlessly. “BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a Black Cap, so having someone like him come back into the group will be great for our environment,” Latham said. “There was never any doubt about his effort and determination every time he stepped onto the field, and I’m sure that same attitude will translate in his coaching style.”

NZC confirmed in July that Ronchi would step down from his role after six years, having agreed to take over as Melbourne Renegades head coach in the Big Bash League. He also took charge of Islamabad United in the PSL earlier this year.

Source link