Black Caps test captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the first test against Zimbabwe starting tomorrow with a shoulder injury.
Latham suffered the injury while fielding during a Twenty20 match for Birmingham earlier this month and has not recovered sufficiently to be included in the side in Bulawayo.
He will remain with the squad with the hope he will be fit for the second test starting August 7. All-rounder Glenn Phillips was previously ruled out of the series with a groin injury with Michael Bracewell named as a replacement for the first test only.
New Zealand white-ball captain Mitch Santner will lead the team, becoming New Zealand’s 32nd men’s test captain.
Santner (30 test caps) assumes the role fresh off a T20I Tri-Series victory in Harare where New Zealand remained undefeated throughout the five-match series.
Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said Latham’s skillset and leadership would be greatly missed.
“It’s hugely disappointing for Tom to be missing the first Test, as captain but also as an integral part of the team,” said Walter.
“It’s never great when you lose your captain, who’s a world-class opening batter and a great team man, but that 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.”
Walter said the team was in good hands with Santner.
“Mitch did a wonderful job with the T20 squad in this recent series.
“He was excellent from a strategy point of view, and he has a strong understanding of the game.
“Whilst the format is different, he certainly has the respect of the players and will be supported by some highly experienced Test cricketers, so I trust that he’s going to do a great job.”
