When Matthew Fisher (Hall House 2013–2017) sat down for his Year 8 interview with then headmaster Grant Lander, he mentioned that if he attended St Paul’s, he’d be keen to “play a bit of cricket and rugby.” By the time he left in 2017, he had not only played for the First XI cricket team but had also represented Northern Districts at Under-17 level and been selected for the New Zealand Under-18 training camp. He balanced this with rugby in the Second XV and an outstanding academic record.

This month, Fisher took the step every young cricketer dreams of, making his Test debut for New Zealand in the series sweep against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The 25-year-old Northern Districts fast bowler, known for his pace and precision, earned his first Black Caps cap after a string of strong domestic performances.

Matt first made his mark as a New Zealand Under-19 representative before injuries slowed his progress. Balancing cricket with academic study, he completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Otago before returning to full-time cricket with Northern Districts. His consistent red-ball form (51 first-class wickets at an average of 24.11) put him firmly on the national selectors’ radar.

His debut came in the second Test against Zimbabwe, where he bowled 12 overs for figures of 1-29. His maiden wicket was a moment to remember, trapping opener Kevin Kasuza lbw with a delivery that showed both pace and accuracy. While his time with the ball was limited in a dominant Black Caps performance, his control and ability to generate bounce hinted at a promising future in the international arena.

Black Caps head coach Rob Walter has described Matthew as “one of the fastest bowlers in the country” and a player with genuine X-factor. His elevation to the Test side is part of a wider generational shift in the pace attack, offering him the chance to stake his claim for future tours.

Congratulations Matthew; we look forward to watching you on the cricket world stage.