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The second Test of the two-match Test series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand will be played from August 7 to 11 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Tom Latham ruled out of 2nd Test against Zimbabwe. (Picture Credit: AFP)
New Zealand’s Test captain Tom Latham on Wednesday (August 6) was ruled out of the second Test of the ongoing two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. The second Test of the away series is scheduled to take place at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from August 7 to 11.
According to a release shared by Black Caps on Wednesday evening, it has been stated that Latham, who led the Kiwis to a historic 3-0 series win over India last year, has failed to recover from his left shoulder injury, which kept him out of action from the series opener.
“Black Caps Test captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe after failing to recover from his left shoulder injury,” the release read.
Squad News | Tom Latham has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe after failing to recover from his left shoulder injury.Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs, who has been playing cricket in Johannesburg, has been called in as fielding and batting cover. Full story ⬇️…
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) August 6, 2025
“Latham, who was withdrawn from the first Test, had been rehabilitating the injury but was unable to pass a fitness test on the eve of the match,” it added.
The New Zealand cricket board added middle-order batter Bevon Jacobs to the Test squad as a batting and fielding cover for Latham.
“Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs, who has been playing cricket in Johannesburg, has been called in as fielding and batting cover,” the release informed.
According to New Zealand’s head coach, Rob Walter, it was unfortunate to lose Latham.
“It’s hugely disappointing to lose Tom again,” said Walter. “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.”
“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.”
Spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who became the 32nd player to captain New Zealand in Tests last week, will lead the visitors in the second Test as well now.
Earlier on Wednesday, fast bowler William O’Rourke was ruled out of the second Test due to a back injury. The 24-year-old fast bowler played in the series opener and bowled a total of 23 overs. He remained wicketless in the first innings but dismissed three Zimbabwe batters for 28 runs in his quota of 10 overs.
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