New Zealand’s pace‑bowling all‑rounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second and final Test against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal strain suffered during the first Test in Bulawayo. To fill the all-round void, New Zealand have handed a maiden Test call-up to Zak Foulkes, who was also part of New Zealand’s T20I tri-series campaign against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Smith first experienced discomfort while batting on Day 2 of the opening Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. He retired hurt on 22*, and subsequent MRI scans confirmed an abdominal strain, ruling him out of the series. Additionally, Ben Lister has been added as a backup pace option after Will O’Rourke reported back stiffness.
New Zealand, meanwhile, won the match by a convincing nine wickets, taking a 1–0 lead in the series. The second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is set to begin on August 7 at the Queens Sports Club at Bulawayo.