New Zealand skipper Tom Latham has been ruled out of the second and final Test of the series against Zimbabwe due to a shoulder injury. This comes after the left-hand batter hadn't featured in the first Test either and Mitchell Santner had captained the side in his absence. The latter will be seen leading the side in the seconbd Test as well which is set to commence from August 7 in Bulawayo.
Latham had missed the first Test due to an injury on his left shoulder, but was expected to return to the side for the second Test as he had already begun his rehabilitation process by that time. However, he failed to fully recover in time and will now be sitting on the sidelines for the second match as well.
“It’s hugely disappointing to lose Tom again...He’s been working hard and had been tracking well towards the second Test but unfortunately today he couldn't pass his fitness tests. He’s extremely gutted he won’t be able to take the park and we’re really feeling for him," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said.
2 of New Zealand's players got injured in first Test
This comes as a major blow to New Zealand, who will be without the pace duo of Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith. Both of them had sustained injuries during the first match and will not be featuring in the second. Their absence only puts the team's depth into more jeopardy.
The Black Caps have brought in young batter Bevon Jacobs into the set-up due to the increasing number of injuries. The 22-year-old recently made his T20I debut for the side in the tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe that was held last month. He may get called into the playing XI for the second Test if required.
Meanwhile, New Zealand absolutely dominated in the first Test against Zimbabwe and won the match comfortably by 9 wickets. Matt Henry was the star of the show, picking up a total nine scalps during the match as the visitors bundled out the hosts for scores of 149 and 165 in the first and second innings respectively. The Black Caps posted a total of 307 on the board in their first innings and only had a target of 8 runs to achieve in their second innings. They did so easily to take a 1-0 lead in the series.