New Zealand fast-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal strain. In his place, pace-bowling allrounder Zakary Foulkes has received his first call-up to the Test squad, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Smith picked up the injury on Day 2 of the first Test in Bulawayo while batting. He was forced to retire hurt at the end of the 93rd over, having made 22 off 79 balls, and did not return to the field for the rest of the match. An MRI scan later confirmed an abdominal strain, which is expected to sideline him for approximately two to four weeks.
Lister joins squad as bowling cover
New Zealand’s pace stocks were further depleted when Will O’Rourke experienced back stiffness on Day 3 and did not bowl. That left Matt Henry as the only specialist fast bowler for the remainder of the match. As a precaution, left-arm quick Ben Lister has been added to the squad as cover for O’Rourke, whose fitness will be assessed ahead of the second Test.
Smith’s replacement, Zakary Foulkes, has represented New Zealand in 13 T20Is and one ODI. In first-class cricket, he has played 19 matches, claiming 57 wickets and scoring 544 runs at an average of 19.42.
The second Test may also mark the return of captain Tom Latham and could see a potential debut for Matt Fisher—one of the fastest bowlers in New Zealand alongside Ben Sears.
The second and final Test of the series is set to begin on August 7 in Bulawayo.
New Zealand squad for 2nd Test:
Mitchell Santner, Tom Latham, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Zakary Foulkes, Ben Lister (cover).
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz