Tom Blundell is a New Zealand professional cricketer who serves as the national team’s primary wicketkeeper-batsman across all formats. Currently active in international cricket and part of the West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025, he plays a crucial role as the side’s frontline wicketkeeper and steady middle-order batter, usually batting around No. 5 or No. 6 to stabilize the innings during pressure situations.
Representing Wellington Firebirds domestically, the 35-year-old is known for his aggressive stroke play, sharp sweep shots, and reliable glovework. One of his finest cricketing moments came when he scored a memorable century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2019 Boxing Day Test, showcasing his grit and establishing himself as one of New Zealand’s most dependable wicketkeeper-batsmen.
Tom Blundell’s primary source of income stems from his cricket career with New Zealand Cricket and the Wellington Firebirds. While his exact assets remain private, his consistent performances have secured him a central contract with New Zealand Cricket since the 2019-20 season, which he has maintained through the 2025-26 period.
Teams Played For
Team
Years Active
New Zealand (International)
2017
Wellington Firebirds
2013
New Zealand A
2016 – 2019
New Zealand Under-19
2010
Education
Qualification
Institution
School
Wellington College, Wellington
University
Not publicly disclosed
Tom Blundell attended Wellington College, a prominent boys’ school in Wellington that overlooks the Basin Reserve cricket ground. He excelled in cricket during his school years and was part of the 2010 Under-19 World Cup squad alongside future stars Tom Latham, James Neesham, and Doug Bracewell.
Complete Career Stats
Format
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Average
Strike Rate
100s
50s
Test
42
2,140
138
33.96
53.24
4
11
ODI
12
266
106
29.55
86.64
1
1
T20I
9
91
30
15.16
96.81
0
0
First-Class
119
6,495
153
36.08
55.81
17
34
Tom Blundell Recent Form – Last 5 Matches
Format
Opponent
Date
Runs / Dismissals
Venue
Test
Zimbabwe
August 2025
0 runs
Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Test
England
December 2024
96 & defiant innings
New Zealand
Test
India
October 2024
Contributions in historic series
India
First-Class
Auckland
November 2025
77 runs
Eden Park Outer Oval
First-Class
Otago
November 2025
64* (match-winning)
Basin Reserve
Career Highlights
Year
Achievement
2017
Scored 107* on Test debut against West Indies – highest score by a New Zealand wicketkeeper on debut
2019
Selected for ICC Cricket World Cup squad
2019
Scored maiden Test century (121) at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day
2021
Member of New Zealand team that won ICC World Test Championship 2019-2021
2022
Scored 138 against England at Bay Oval – career-best Test score
2023
Named Wisden Cricketer of the Year
2023
Won New Zealand Test Cricketer of the Year award
2023
Received New Zealand Cricket Almanack Player of the Year award
2024
Captained Wellington to unbeaten Plunket Shield title in 2023-24 season
Major Trophies & Awards
Year
Competition/Trophy
Significance
2021
ICC World Test Championship
Winner with New Zealand
2023
Wisden Cricketer of the Year
One of five cricketers honored for 2023
2023
NZ Test Cricketer of the Year
For exceptional Test performances in 2022/23
2023
NZ Cricket Almanack Player of the Year
Overall impact recognition
2017
Wellington Men’s Outstanding Batsman
For prolific 2016-17 domestic season
2024
Plunket Shield Championship
Captain of unbeaten Wellington team
Additional Achievements
Achievement
Context
First NZ wicketkeeper to score century on Test debut
107* vs West Indies, December 2017
First New Zealander to score Test century at MCG
121 vs Australia, Boxing Day 2019
Dismissed for obstructing the field
Unique dismissal in Plunket Shield, November 2020 – only second in NZ first-class history
Scored 243 runs in Super Smash 2016-17
Highest by any wicketkeeper-batsman that season
Partnership record at Lord’s
236-run stand with Daryl Mitchell, 2022
Test Cap Number
273 for New Zealand
Interesting Facts About Tom Blundell
He comes from an ancient Lancashire gentry family with deep historical roots.
His ability to play counter-attacking cricket under pressure has become his trademark, especially evident in the 2022 England series.
Blundell waited patiently as backup to BJ Watling for years before establishing himself as New Zealand’s primary Test wicketkeeper after Watling’s retirement in 2021.
He visited a sports psychologist after struggling in his first six innings back in Test cricket, which led to an immediate turnaround with a sparkling 96 against South Africa.
Despite being selected for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Blundell didn’t play a single match but was on the field during the dramatic final at Lord’s that New Zealand lost to England on boundary countback.
He became the first wicketkeeper since England’s Matt Prior in 2007 to score a century on Test debut.
Blundell’s 121 at the MCG in 2019 came as an opener – a position he had never batted in Test cricket before, showing remarkable adaptability.
Born in Wellington on 1 September 1990, Tom Blundell is 35 years old and stands 6 feet (183 cm) tall. His journey through New Zealand cricket reflects resilience and determination, having waited for opportunities behind established names before cementing his place as one of the most reliable wicketkeeper-batsmen in international cricket today.
I’m Uday Paruthi, cricket lover and founder of Stumpscast.com. I enjoy telling the unique stories of cricketers through detailed biography articles, uncovering their journeys, challenges, and achievements. My aim is to help fans connect with players beyond the game, learning what makes each one special. From legends to rising stars, I share insights that bring cricket’s human side to life. Join me on Stumpscast to explore the sport’s most inspiring stories. Follow me on social media for my latest work.
