u/NZC_Community

We've reached No. 1.

After 15 players, plenty of difficult decisions and even more potential arguments, my ranking is complete.

And at the top, I've gone with Matt Henry.

For me, Henry is currently the best Test cricketer in New Zealand.

Not because he has the biggest career.

Not because he's the fastest bowler.

But because right now, he is the player I trust most to win New Zealand a Test match.

His recent performances make the argument particularly strong. Against England in 2026, Henry produced a sensational 11-wicket match haul, including a devastating second-innings spell as New Zealand won the Test by 253 runs.

That's the Matt Henry I see right now: relentless accuracy, movement, control and the ability to produce wickets when New Zealand need them most.

His career record backs it up too, with 150+ Test wickets at an average in the mid-20s, alongside multiple five-wicket hauls.

The biggest question around Henry isn't whether he's good enough.

It's whether he can maintain this level as he enters the latter stages of his career.

At the moment, I'm backing him to do exactly that.

And with Australia waiting in the Trans-Tasman Trophy, I wouldn't want anyone else leading New Zealand's attack.

I've written the full breakdown of why Henry is #1, including the argument against him and what I expect from him against Australia.

📝 Substack: https://below0sports.substack.com/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers-a67?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

🌐 NZC Community: https://nzc-community.wixsite.com/below-0-sports/articles

🇳🇿 The Final Rankings:

🥇 Matt Henry – Seam Bowler

🥈 Rachin Ravindra – Batter

🥉 Daryl Mitchell – Batter

4. Kyle Jamieson – Seam Bowler

5. Tom Latham – Top-order Batter

6. Devon Conway – Top-order Batter

7. Tom Blundell – Wicketkeeper

8. Will O'Rourke – Seam Bowler

9. Glenn Phillips – Batter

10. Henry Nicholls – Batter

11. Mitchell Santner – Spin Bowler

12. Nathan Smith – Seam Bowler

13. Jacob Duffy – Seam Bowler

14. Zac Foulkes – Seam Bowler

15. Rhys Mariu – Top-order Batter

That's the list.

15 players.

15 arguments.

And now the real test begins.

🇳🇿 Who have I got right? Who have I got completely wrong?

And most importantly...

Who would you have at #1?

We're down to the final two.

At #2, I've gone with Rachin Ravindra.

This is probably the ranking I'm expecting the most debate over.

Ravindra has already gone from promising young talent to one of New Zealand's most important Test batters. At just 26, he has 1,865 Test runs at 47.82, with five centuries and seven fifties, including a remarkable 240 against South Africa.

And the most exciting part?

He is still improving.

Ravindra has the technique and temperament to play long Test innings, but he also has the ability to accelerate and completely change the momentum of a match. Add his left-arm spin and quality fielding, and you have a genuinely multi-dimensional cricketer.

So why isn't he #1?

Experience and sustained dominance.

He's already exceptional, but the player I've put at #1 has produced a longer period of elite Test cricket and has a larger body of evidence behind him.

That doesn't mean Ravindra won't eventually become New Zealand's best player.

He might.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually makes the #1 spot his own.

But for right now, he sits at #2.

I've written the full breakdown on NZC Community:

📝 Substack: https://below0sports.substack.com/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers-39e?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

🌐 Website: https://nzc-community.wixsite.com/below-0-sports/articles

Rankings so far:

15. Rhys Mariu

16. Zac Foulkes

17. Jacob Duffy

18. Nathan Smith

19. Mitchell Santner

20. Henry Nicholls

21. Glenn Phillips

22. Will O'Rourke

23. Tom Blundell

24. Devon Conway

25. Tom Latham

26. Kyle Jamieson

27. Daryl Mitchell

28. Rachin Ravindra

And now there is only one name left.

Tomorrow: #1 – Who do you think deserves the top spot?

We're into the top three.

At #3, I've gone with Daryl Mitchell and this was one of the hardest rankings of the entire countdown.

Mitchell has become one of New Zealand's most dependable Test batters and, more importantly, one of their biggest big-game players.

His numbers are excellent, but his temperament is what really separates him.

He has a remarkable ability to absorb pressure, take blows, bat with the tail and turn difficult situations into New Zealand advantages.

His unbeaten 100 in the deciding Test against England in 2026 was the perfect example. He was hit repeatedly by England's attack but stayed at the crease for 241 balls, helping New Zealand set up a series-winning victory. He was subsequently named Player of the Match.

That's Daryl Mitchell.

When the situation gets harder, he gets better.

I've written the full breakdown of why I've ranked him #3 on NZC Community:

📝 Substack: https://below0sports.substack.com/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers-5f3?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

🌐 Website: https://nzc-community.wixsite.com/below-0-sports/articles

Rankings so far:

15. Rhys Mariu

16. Zac Foulkes

17. Jacob Duffy

18. Nathan Smith

19. Mitchell Santner

20. Henry Nicholls

21. Glenn Phillips

22. Will O'Rourke

23. Tom Blundell

24. Devon Conway

25. Tom Latham

26. Kyle Jamieson

27. Daryl Mitchell

Tomorrow: #2 – One of the brightest young talents in world cricket and a player who could define New Zealand's next generation.

We're down to the final two. 🇳🇿

We're now into the top four of my countdown ahead of the Trans-Tasman Trophy.

At #4, I've gone with Kyle Jamieson.

When Jamieson is fit and firing, there are very few bowlers New Zealand would rather have with the ball.

At 6ft 8in, his height creates a unique combination of bounce, movement and awkward angles for batters. He has already taken 100+ Test wickets at an average in the mid-20s, with an excellent strike rate and multiple five-wicket hauls.

His ceiling is enormous.

So why isn't he higher?

Availability.

Injuries have interrupted Jamieson's career and prevented him from building the sustained body of work that the players above him have.

But if he stays fit, Australia could be the perfect environment for him. The extra bounce should amplify one of his greatest weapons, and a pace attack featuring Jamieson, Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke could be extremely difficult to handle.

At his best, Jamieson is almost unplayable.

I've written the full breakdown on NZC Community:

📝 Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/below0sports/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers-703?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

🌐 Website: https://nzc-community.wixsite.com/below-0-sports/articles

Rankings so far:

15. Rhys Mariu

16. Zac Foulkes

17. Jacob Duffy

18. Nathan Smith

11 Mitchell Santner

10. Henry Nicholls

11. Glenn Phillips

12. Will O'Rourke

13. Tom Blundell

14. Devon Conway

15. Tom Latham

16. Kyle Jamieson

Tomorrow: #3 – The all-round competitor whose ability to score runs, bowl when required and change the momentum of a Test makes him one of New Zealand's most valuable players.

The top three are coming. 🇳🇿

We're into the top five of my countdown ahead of the Trans-Tasman Trophy.

At #5, I've gone with Tom Latham.

Latham has been one of the defining figures of New Zealand Test cricket for more than a decade. More than 6,000 Test runs, double-digit centuries, captaincy experience and a remarkable 264 against Sri Lanka* underline just how much he has contributed.

His greatest strength is his ability to absorb pressure.

He can leave the ball, occupy the crease for hours and build an innings when New Zealand desperately need stability at the top of the order.

At 34, he's also one of the senior figures carrying New Zealand into its next era following the retirement of Kane Williamson.

So why only #5?

This is a ranking of current players, not career achievements. While Latham remains hugely important, the four players above him offer either greater current match-winning influence or a higher ceiling.

Australia will provide a huge test. If Latham can consistently withstand the new-ball attack and convert starts into big scores, #5 may look too low.

I've written the full breakdown on NZC Community:

📝 Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/below0sports/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers-67b?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

🌐 NZC Community Website: https://nzc-community.wixsite.com/below-0-sports/articles

Rankings so far:

15. Rhys Mariu

16. Zac Foulkes

17. Jacob Duffy

18. Nathan Smith

19. Mitchell Santner

20. Henry Nicholls

21. Glenn Phillips

22. Will O'Rourke

23. Tom Blundell

24. Devon Conway

25. Tom Latham

Tomorrow: #4 – One of the most destructive fast bowlers New Zealand has produced, and a player who could be absolutely pivotal in Australia.

The countdown continues ahead of the Trans-Tasman Trophy, and we've now reached the top six.

At #6, I've gone with Devon Conway.

There is a strong argument that Conway should be even higher.

When he first arrived in Test cricket, he immediately looked like a player made for the format. His technique, patience and ability to bat for long periods made him one of New Zealand's most dependable top-order batters.

His Test record reflects that quality, including a remarkable 200 on debut at Lord's.

The issue has been consistency.

Conway has experienced periods where his form has dipped and hasn't always produced at the level we know he's capable of. That's ultimately why I've stopped him at #6 rather than pushing him into the top five.

But the ceiling remains extremely high.

If Conway can rediscover the consistency that made him so dangerous early in his career, Australia could be the perfect stage for him to remind everyone just how good he is.

I've written the full breakdown of why I've ranked Conway at #6 on NZC Community:

📝 Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/below0sports/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers-3c5?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

🌐 Website: https://nzc-community.wixsite.com/below-0-sports/articles

Rankings so far:

15. Rhys Mariu

16. Zac Foulkes

17. Jacob Duffy

18. Nathan Smith

19. Mitchell Santner

20. Henry Nicholls

21. Glenn Phillips

22. Will O'Rourke

23. Tom Blundell

24. Devon Conway

Tomorrow: #5 – One of the most experienced Test players in New Zealand cricket.

We're into the top five now. 🇳🇿

I've now completed the first half of my countdown of the Top 15 Current New Zealand Test Cricketers, building towards what promises to be a fascinating Trans-Tasman Trophy this summer.

I've ranked each player based on a combination of current form, Test record, ability, importance to New Zealand and expected impact rather than simply ranking career achievements.

The first eight players are now covered:

#15 – Rhys Mariu

The emerging top-order prospect who represents the future of New Zealand batting.

#14 – Zac Foulkes

A young seamer with the ability to swing the new ball and make things happen.

#13 – Jacob Duffy

Outstanding whenever given an opportunity, but with a limited Test sample still holding him back.

#12 – Nathan Smith

The X-factor who can change a game with the ball, bat or in the field.

#11 – Mitchell Santner

One of New Zealand's most talented all-rounders, but with questions over his red-ball consistency and role in Australia.

#10 – Henry Nicholls

A player with enormous experience who has earned another chance after dominating domestic cricket.

#9 – Glenn Phillips

A genuine three-dimensional cricketer whose ability to influence a match in all three disciplines makes him impossible to ignore.

#8 – Will O'Rourke

One of New Zealand's most exciting young fast bowlers and potentially a huge weapon in Australian conditions.

Read the full series:

I've gone into much more detail on every player including statistics, strengths, weaknesses, the arguments against their ranking and what I expect from them during the Trans-Tasman Trophy.

Substack: https://substack.com/@nzccommunity?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

NZC Community Website: https://nzc-community.wixsite.com/below-0-sports/articles

If you're a fan of New Zealand cricket, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Which ranking do you disagree with most?

And more importantly...

Who do you think I've got at #7?

The top seven are coming. 🇳🇿

I'm counting down my Top 15 Current New Zealand Test Cricketers ahead of this summer's Trans-Tasman Trophy.

At #12, I've gone with Nathan Smith.

Like Jacob Duffy, Smith is still early in his Test career. But what separates him for me is his ability to influence matches in every facet of the game.

He can produce a match-changing spell with the ball, chip in with valuable lower-order runs and make something happen in the field. That all-round impact was on full display during New Zealand's tour of England and Ireland, where he played a key role in the Black Caps' success and was deservedly named the ICC Men's Player of the Month.

That's why I've ranked him just ahead of Duffy.

I've written a full breakdown of why I've ranked Nathan Smith at #12 on NZC Community:

🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/below0sports/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers-d51?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

Tomorrow at #11: New Zealand's only specialist spinner. A player who has divided opinion throughout his Test career but remains one of the Black Caps' most important and experienced performers.

I'm counting down my Top 15 Current New Zealand Test Cricketers ahead of this summer's Trans-Tasman Trophy.

At #13, I've gone with Jacob Duffy.

This was probably the toughest ranking so far.

Duffy has been exceptional whenever he's been given an opportunity. In just a handful of Test matches, he's produced outstanding numbers, while his performances across white-ball cricket saw him recognised as New Zealand Cricket's Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner after an incredible 2025–26 season.

On current form alone, you could easily argue he belongs inside the top 10.

So why #13?

For me, it comes down to sample size. He's been brilliant, but he simply hasn't played enough Test cricket yet to rank him above players who have built their reputations over multiple series.

If he continues performing the way he has, I don't think he'll be outside the top 10 for much longer.

I've written a full breakdown of why I've ranked Jacob Duffy at #13 on NZC Community: https://open.substack.com/pub/below0sports/p/top-15-current-new-zealand-test-cricketers?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

Tomorrow at #12: A player who has quietly become one of New Zealand's most valuable all-round contributors in Test cricket!

I'm counting down my top 15 current New Zealand Test cricketers ahead of this summer's Trans-Tasman Trophy.

At #14 I've gone with Zac Foulkes.

I know it's an aggressive ranking for someone still early in his Test career, but I think Foulkes has already shown why he's one of New Zealand's most exciting young seam bowlers.

His ability to swing the new ball, bowl disciplined lines and build pressure makes him a genuine Test-quality seamer. His performances in the 2026 Test series against England, where he helped New Zealand secure both the deciding Test and the series, showed he belongs at this level.

I don't think there's enough evidence to rank him above players like Jacob Duffy or Nathan Smith just yet, but I believe he has one of the highest ceilings among New Zealand's emerging fast bowlers.

I've written a full breakdown of why I've ranked Foulkes at #14 on NZC Community: https://open.substack.com/pub/below0sports/p/top-15-new-zealand-test-cricketers-5a0?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=android&r=6qtx6n

Do you agree with this ranking, or have I got it wrong?

Tomorrow at #13: A late-blooming seamer who has quietly become one of New Zealand's most reliable performers in red-ball cricket.

I'm counting down my top 15 current New Zealand Test cricketers ahead of this summer's Trans-Tasman Trophy.

At No. 15 I've gone with Rhys Mariu.

I know this will probably be controversial given he hasn't established himself at Test level, but my rankings aren't based purely on international statistics. They're about who I believe are New Zealand's best current Test players and those closest to making an impact.

Mariu's domestic form, temperament against the new ball and long-term potential earn him the final place on my list. I don't think there's enough evidence to rank him above players like Zac Foulkes, Jacob Duffy or Nathan Smith yet, but I do think he's one of New Zealand's most exciting top-order prospects.

Do you think Mariu deserves a place in the top 15, or have I overlooked someone?

Full article is available here: https://substack.com/@nzccommunity/note/p-209504651?r=6qtx6n