ZIM vs NZ 2025 2nd Test: Tom Latham Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Series Decider Due to Shoulder Injury

Due to his inability to recover from his shoulder injury, Tom Latham will not play in the second Test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Mitchell Santner led the squad to a nine-wicket victory in the series opener without Latham, who did not make the starting lineup. In addition to Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke being ruled out due to injuries, the second Test was dealt a setback. Latham's absence was lamented by head coach Rob Walter, who also revealed the true reason for his absence for the second game.

Mitchell Santner will continue to captain the 'Black Caps' in his place. In the opening Test match against Zimbabwe, he captained the team as well. The Kiwis now have a 1-0 advantage over the Chevrons in the two-match Test series. Rob Walter the New Zealand's head coach, said, "It's hugely disappointing to lose Tom again. 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." 

Tom Latham Out of ZIM vs NZ 2025 2nd Test:

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham remains sidelined with a left shoulder injury ❌
Mitchell Santner will continue to lead the team in his absence. 🇳🇿#TomLatham#MitchellSantnerpic.twitter.com/R2ViguKniX

— Cricfrenzy.com (@Cricfrenzylive) August 7, 2025

He further added, "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."

In the just-finished tri-series between South Africa and Zimbabwe, Jacobs made his debut for the Black Caps. This is the 23-year-old's third T20I appearance. In preparation for the second Test, Jacobs will join Ben Lister and Zakary Foulkes. In the first Test at the same location, New Zealand defeated Zimbabwe with considerable ease. Matt Henry's nine-wicket match haul (6/39 in 15.3 overs and 3/51 in 21 overs) earned him the title of Player of the Match.

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