BJ Watling appointed New Zealand batting coach

Former New Zealand batter BJ Watling has been named the Black Caps' batting coach and will join the staff after the two-Test series against India next month. Watling played 75 Tests and scored 3,790 runs at 37.52 before retiring in 2021.

Watling replaces Luke Ronchi and will work with the side during a busy period that includes ODIs against England and Tests against India. He has coached at Wellington and Northern Districts in domestic cricket.

New Zealand captain Tom Latham welcomed the appointment and said Watling personified the Black Caps' values. NZC high performance officer Daryl Gibson said Watling's domestic coaching experience and relationships with current players made him a strong fit.