New Zealand have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe starting from August 7 in Bulawayo. Their regular skipper, Tom Latham, who was recovering from a shoulder injury, has not yet recovered completely.
Mitchell Santner, who led the team in his absence in the first Test, will continue to lead the team in the second Test as well. The Kiwis won the first Test by 9 wickets, bowling out Zimbabwe for 149 and 165 runs respectively. The Kiwis scored 307 runs with the bat in the first innings.
Meanwhile, Tom Latham, who was undergoing rehabilitation after missing the first Test, has not completely recovered from his shoulder injury to be available for selection. His absence from the second Test was confirmed by head coach Rob Walter.
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He Couldn't Pass Fitness Test - Rob Walter On Tom Latham
Walter spoke to the reporters ahead of the second Test, giving an update on Latham’s injury. He said that his absence will be hugely disappointing for the team while adding that Latham failed to pass the fitness Test ahead of the game.
"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” Walter said.
New Zealand have announced Bevon Jacobs as Latham’s replacement. He was playing county cricket in South Africa and joined the team at a short notice. Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner, who became the 32nd Test skipper for New Zealand inthe first Test, will get another chance to register a cleansweep against Zimbabwe.
"With Tom being ruled out on the eve of the match we needed to quickly bring in an extra pair of hands. Thankfully, Bevon had been playing in Johannesburg and was able to make the short trip” Walter said.
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New Zealand's WTC 2025-27 Campaign Yet To Kick Off
The Test series against Zimbabwe is not a part of the ongoing WTC 2025-27 campaign for the Kiwis. They are yet to officially get their campaign started and get their first points on board.
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