BJ Watling to replace Luke Ronchi as New Zealand batting coach
BJ Watling will take over as New Zealand's batting coach from Luke Ronchi after the Test series against India ends in December. Watling scored 3,790 Test runs in 75 matches and holds the national record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper.
Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling will replace Luke Ronchi as the Black Caps batting coach after New Zealand's Test series against India concludes in early December. Watling will join the support staff on November 16 and work alongside Ronchi during a transition period before taking over fully.
Watling scored 3,790 Test runs in 75 matches, including eight centuries, and holds the national record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper with 265. He retired from international cricket in 2021 after helping New Zealand win the inaugural World Test Championship. Watling said he was excited to return to the setup and contribute to a world-class side.
New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham said Watling personified what it means to be a Black Cap and that his attitude as a player would translate into his coaching style. Watling will work with the team during the transition before taking full charge ahead of New Zealand's four-match Test series in Australia.
CricHubb Take
Watling's appointment brings a batting coach who succeeded as a specialist keeper-batter at Test level, a profile that aligns with New Zealand's need for players who can contribute with both bat and gloves. His experience of scoring nearly 3,400 Test runs as a wicketkeeper gives him credibility when working with the current crop of keeper-batters. The timing also ensures continuity through the transition period before the Australia series.