BJ Watling appointed as Black Caps batting coach

BJ Watling has been appointed as the Black Caps batting coach, succeeding Luke Ronchi. Watling will begin a transition period with Ronchi on November 16 during the home test series against India. He will take over the role full-time in early December before the team travels to Australia for a four-test series.

Watling, the current Northern Districts men's head coach, will support head coach Rob Walter during the transition. Ronchi is leaving New Zealand Cricket to become the head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the Australian Big Bash League.

Watling has coached the Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts since retiring from international cricket in 2021. Under his leadership, Northern Districts won the Plunket Shield in 2024-25 and the Super Smash in 2025-26.

“I’m incredibly excited,” Watling said regarding the appointment. Test captain Tom Latham stated, “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”.

Where reports differ

• One report notes the Black Caps start a white-ball series against India on October 22.

Compiled from reports by The Post, Stuff, NZ Herald, RNZ and 1News.