Tom Latham Ruled Out of First Test Against Zimbabwe Due to Shoulder Injury

Tom Latham Ruled Out of First Test Against Zimbabwe Due to Shoulder Injury

New Zealand captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the first Test against Zimbabwe, which begins on July 30 in Bulawayo, after failing to recover from a shoulder injury. The injury occurred earlier this month while Latham was fielding during a Vitality Blast match for the Birmingham Bears.

In Latham’s absence, New Zealand’s white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner will lead the side, marking his captaincy debut in Test cricket. Despite the setback, Latham will remain with the squad and is targeting a return for the second Test, scheduled to begin on August 7.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment at Latham’s unavailability. “It’s hugely disappointing for Tom to be missing the first Test, as captain but also as an integral part of the team,” Walter said. “We’re going to work really hard to have him available for the second Test. We'll continue to assess and see whether a replacement player is necessary, but at this stage, we are hopeful that he'll recover in time.”

Santner, who has featured in 30 Tests, led New Zealand to an unbeaten run in the recent T20I tri-series in Harare and has earned praise for his leadership and game awareness.

“Mitch did a wonderful job with the T20 squad in this recent series,” Walter noted. “Whilst the format is different, he certainly has the respect of the players and will be supported by some highly experienced Test cricketers. I trust that he's going to do a great job.”

The two-match series marks New Zealand’s first Test tour of Zimbabwe since 2016.

 

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