Former Black Cap Chris Harris Steps In As Cricket’s Unofficial ‘Weather Pourcaster’ For Test Series

As the T20 International Series (15–25 March 2026) approaches, former New Zealand international cricketer Chris Harris is set to offer fans a different kind of pre-match insight, stepping into the tongue-in-cheek role of cricket’s unofficial Weather Pourcaster.

A left-handed middle-order batsman and right-arm slow-medium bowler, Chris Harris built his reputation across 250 One Day Internationals and 23 Test matches as one of New Zealand cricket’s most reliable all-round contributors. Internationally, he amassed more than 4,000 ODI runs and claimed over 200 wickets, becoming one of the few players globally to achieve that double.

At domestic level, across more than 128 first-class matches, he accumulated more than 16,000 runs and took over 500 wickets, often rescuing innings under pressure and using subtle variation to restrict opposition scoring. Now, drawing on decades of experience across grounds throughout Aotearoa, he’ll turn his attention to one of New Zealand cricket’s most influential variables — the weather.

Few former players understand local playing conditions better.

“Playing cricket in New Zealand, one of the biggest opponents you face is the weather,” says Harris. “It affects the swing, the pitch, the outfield, sometimes before a ball’s even bowled.”

From heavy cloud cover that aids swing movement, to damp surfaces that slow outfields and change pitch conditions, regularly shaping tactics and selection decisions. Harris will provide insight throughout the series into how forecasts may influence match strategy, and why rain interruptions often become pivotal moments in an international.

“We can’t predict who’s going to win,” he says. “But you can be sure conditions will play a part at some point.”

The initiative, titled Rainsurance, leans into a familiar truth of the New Zealand summer: rain is part of the cricket narrative. Rather than positioning weather delays as frustration, the campaign reframes them as part of the match experience.

Harris’ Weather Pourcaster role forms part of a wider series activation by sponsor Brookvale Union RTDs. If a scheduled match is officially rained off, ticket holders can a make good with Brookvale Union at participating Super Liquor stores.

As the series approaches, the message to supporters remains clear: turn up, back the team, and whatever the forecast holds, the cricket story continues.

Chris Harris is available for interviews and comments on the Series, both in the lead up and on match day at Eden Park and Hagley Oval T-20 matches.

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