New Zealand star ruled out of second Zimbabwe Test
The Black Caps skipper had pulled out from the opening Test owing to a left shoulder injury and has been deemed unfit for the series decider.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham has been ruled out from the second Test against Zimbabwe starting Thursday, August 7 in Bulawayo.
Latham, who was ruled out of the first Test owing to a left shoulder injury, had been undergoing rehabilitation but has been unable recover in time for two-Test series decider.
In his stead, Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the side, having captained the Black Caps in the opener against The Chevrons.
The tourists will also be without the services of pacer Will O'Rourke and all-rounder Nathan Smith, both of whom featured in the first Test, but have been ruled out injured in the lead-up to the second.
“It’s hugely disappointing to lose Tom again,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said.
“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."
Meanwhile, uncapped batter Bevon Jacobs has been added to the Test squad as fielding and batting cover. Jacobs had made his T20I debut for New Zealand last month during the tri-series against the Proteas and Zimbabwe.
“With Tom being ruled out on the eve of the match we needed to quickly bring in an extra pair of hands to provide fielding and batting cover. Thankfully Bevon had been playing in Johannesburg and was able to make the short trip to Bulawayo," Walter added.
New Zealand are 1-0 up in the series after securing an emphatic nine-wicket win in the first Test.