Archive · 8 Oct 2026
BJ Watling Targets Australia Tests and ODI World Cup
BJ Watling used to play cricket for New Zealand, and now he is preparing to coach its men's team.
He will become the team's batting coach after its current Test series against India.
He is looking forward to helping the team prepare for four Test matches in Australia.
He also wants to work with the team before next year's ODI World Cup.
Watling will take over from Luke Ronchi and said Ronchi has done a very good job.
Watling has already coached domestic cricket teams and says his experience as a player will be useful.
He plans to finish his work with Northern Districts before joining the Blackcaps.
His family has supported his decision.
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling will become the Blackcaps' batting coach after the current Test series against India.
Watling said the four-Test tour of Australia and next year's ODI World Cup are major challenges ahead.
He will succeed Luke Ronchi, whose work with the team Watling praised.
Watling has coached Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts, and says his playing and coaching experience will help in the role.
He plans to finish his Northern Districts commitments over the next five or six weeks, including the Ford Trophy block.
- Who
- Former New Zealand international BJ Watling, who is set to become the Blackcaps' batting coach.
- What
- Watling is returning to the New Zealand men's cricket setup as batting coach, succeeding Luke Ronchi.
- When
- After the current Test series against India; Watling said he will first finish his Northern Districts commitments over the next five or six weeks.
- Where
- With the New Zealand men's team; he highlighted the team's upcoming four-Test tour of Australia.
- Why
- Watling said the upcoming challenges, including the Australia tour and next year's ODI World Cup, drew him to the role.
- New role
- New Zealand men's team batting coach
- Predecessor
- Luke Ronchi
- Role begins
- After the current Test series against India
- Australia tour
- Four Test matches
- Other major event
- Next year's ODI World Cup
- International playing record
- 75 Tests, 28 ODIs and five T20Is for New Zealand
- Current coaching commitments
- Northern Districts for the next five or six weeks, through the Ford Trophy block