Nathan Smith Ruled Out of Second Test Against Zimbabwe, Zakary Foulkes Earns Maiden Call-Up

Nathan Smith Ruled Out of Second Test Against Zimbabwe, Zakary Foulkes Earns Maiden Call-Up

New Zealand have been forced into a change ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe, with fast-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith ruled out due to an abdominal strain. Smith, who impressed with figures of 3 for 20 in the first innings of the opening Test, picked up the injury while batting on day two in Bulawayo. An MRI scan confirmed the strain, which is expected to sideline him for two to four weeks.

In Smith’s place, 24-year-old Zakary Foulkes has been added to the squad. This marks Foulkes’ maiden call-up to the Test side. He has previously represented New Zealand in 13 T20Is and one ODI, most recently featuring in the tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, which New Zealand won. At the first-class level, Foulkes has taken 57 wickets in 19 matches, alongside 544 runs at an average of 19.42.

In a further update to the squad, left-arm fast bowler Ben Lister has been called up as cover for Will O'Rourke, who experienced back stiffness during the first Test. O'Rourke bowled 13 and 10 overs in the two innings, returning figures of 3 for 28 in the second. His condition is being monitored closely by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

Lister, who is yet to make his Test debut, has represented New Zealand in three ODIs and 12 T20Is. His last international appearance came over a year ago on tour in Pakistan.

New Zealand cruised to a nine-wicket win in the first Test, with Matt Henry starring with match figures of 9 for 90. Regular captain Tom Latham missed the match due to a shoulder injury, with Mitchell Santner stepping in as stand-in captain. Latham’s availability for the second Test, which begins on August 7 in Bulawayo, remains uncertain.

The Kiwis will be looking to seal the series with another strong performance, though injury setbacks have slightly reshuffled their bowling attack.

 

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