New Zealand Cricket has announced a 14-man squad for the 2-match Test series against Zimbabwe. However, Mitchell bracewell and Kane Williamson are a major miss from the squad. Kane, who is a senior as well as a regular player for the Kiwis, is currently playing in the English County Championship representing Middlesex. He is also contracted with The Hundred for London Spirit. Notably, Kane has liked to prioritize his contracts over the Tests, and so did Bracewell, who is with the MI New York in Major League Cricket (MLC). HE has also been picked up by the Southern Brave in The Hundred for 200,000. Reasoning these two's unavailability, NZC had been pragmatic. They wanted to give players an opportunity to play the Test format and not create pressure, as this series won't be a part of the World Test Championship Cycle. Head coach Rob Walter said, "Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process. While all Test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these Tests aren't part of the World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion. We will obviously miss their talent and class, but it allows an opportunity to others and we're lucky to be able to call on the likes of Ajaz [Patel] and Henry [Nicholls], who are both proven performers at the Test level." Read also: Prithvi Shaw Quits Mumbai, Eyes Comeback with Maharashtra Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson to miss the series The Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson is expecting his first child and thus has opted out citing paternal responsibilities. On the other hand, BEn Sears is suffering from a side strain. This has led to spaces for Matt Fisher who gets a maiden Test call-up and Jacob Duffy who is palying in white ball cricket. Speaking about them, Walater added, "Matt's someone we're really excited about," Walter said. "He's one of the fastest bowlers in the country and we think he's got an X-factor. We're blessed to have a large number of strong fast bowlers in this country and we're looking forward to adding Matt into that mix now, giving him a little bit of touring experience and a taste of what it means to be part of the Black Caps." New Zealand Test squad: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young