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Latham to Miss Second Zimbabwe Test, Santner Stays Captain
Latham to Miss Second Zimbabwe Test, Santner Stays Captain
Zimbabwe vs New Zealand: Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the New Zealand Test team in the second and final Test against Zimbabwe, as Tom Latham has been ruled out after failing to recover from a left shoulder injury.
New Zealand will miss their regular Test captain Tom Latham in the second match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The left-handed opener hasn’t recovered from a shoulder injury and failed a fitness test just before the game.
Latham also missed the first Test and had been working hard to return, but head coach Rob Walter said it was “hugely disappointing” that he couldn’t play.
“He gave it his all and was improving, but sadly couldn’t pass the final fitness test,” Walter said. “He’s really upset, and we feel for him.”
Mitchell Santner, who led the team in the first Test and became New Zealand’s 32nd Test captain, will continue as skipper for the second match.
To fill the gap, Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs has joined the squad as extra support for fielding and batting. The 23-year-old was playing club cricket in Johannesburg and was able to travel to Bulawayo quickly.
“With Tom ruled out last minute, we needed someone fast,” Walter added. “Luckily, Bevon was nearby and could make the trip.”