Official Appointment: Former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling has been appointed as the new Test batting coach for the New Zealand men's cricket team. Five years after his international retirement, he returns to the national setup in a full-time coaching capacity. Transition Period: Watling will officially link up with the squad on November 16 during the two-Test home series against India, working alongside Luke Ronchi to ensure a seamless handover. First Full Assignment: He will formally take sole charge of the batting portfolio when New Zealand travel across the Tasman for a four-Test series against Australia starting in December. Domestic Success: Since retiring in 2021 after winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, Watling built an impressive coaching resume in New Zealand domestic cricket. He led Northern Districts to the Plunket Shield title in 2024–25 and the Super Smash trophy in 2025–26, alongside coaching roles with the Wellington Firebirds. Test Legacy & Leadership Support: Test captain Tom Latham praised the appointment, citing Watling’s gritty, resilient approach as a player—where he amassed 3,790 Test runs and a national-record 265 dismissals—as the ideal foundation for his coaching style. Test captain Tom Latham said he expected Watling to fit into the role seamlessly. "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," Latham said. "There was never any doubt about his effort and determination every time he stepped onto the field, and I'm sure that same attitude will translate in his coaching style."