BJ Watling [Source: AFP]New Zealand have made a significant addition to their coaching setup by bringing former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling back into the international fold. Watling has been appointed the Blackcaps’ new batting coach.Notably, Bradley will take over from Luke Ronchi after the latter's tenure ends following the Test series against India in December. ALSO READKieron Pollard To JSK, ILT20 Schedule Out- October 7 Cricket HighlightsWhen will Watling join NZ as a coach?Watling will join New Zealand's support staff on November 16 and work alongside Ronchi during a transition period before officially taking charge when the Blackcaps travel to Australia for a four-Test series. For the unaware, the 41-year-old has built considerable experience away from the international stage, having coached Wellington Firebirds before taking charge of Northern Districts Men. His time with Northern Districts has already brought silverware, with the side winning the Plunket Shield in 2024-25 and the Super Smash in 2025-26.Watling also brings an impressive playing record to the role. Across 178 first-class matches for New Zealand, Northern Districts and Durham, he accumulated more than 10,000 runs and 18 centuries, while also completing 450 catches.Watling backed to make an impact in Blackcaps setupWatling said he was delighted to return to the international environment and work with a group he knows well. “I'm incredibly excited. To come back into the team and work with this current group is a special opportunity and one I don't take lightly,” Watling said.New Zealand Cricket Chief High Performance Officer Daryl Gibson also backed the former international to make a smooth transition into the role. “BJ has proven himself in a coaching capacity with recent stints at Wellington and Northern Districts and he has excellent relationships with many of the current squad,” Gibson said.Test captain Tom Latham echoed that confidence, highlighting Watling's character and commitment during his playing days. “BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a BLACKCAP, so having someone like him come back into the group will be great for our environment. There was never any doubt about his effort and determination every time he stepped onto the field,” Latham shared.Notably, Watling will have a lot to perform since through Ronchi’s tenure, across formats, the BlackCaps upper order have averaged 35.18 while the middle order summed up 32.91.ALSO READSA20 2027 Auction: Full Squads, List Of All Players Sold, Most Expensive Buys
