Injury blow for Black Caps, as Taylor eyes Zim return

Brandon Moyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub

NEW Zealand’s injury list continues to grow heading into the second and final Test against Zimbabwe which starts at Queens Sports Club today, with fast bowler Will O’Rourke ruled out.

Already without captain Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips in the first Test, the Black Caps now lose O’Rourke, who left Zimbabwe on Tuesday after experiencing back stiffness during the third day of the opening match.

He will undergo further assessment back home. O’Rourke made a notable impact in the second innings of that game, taking 3 for 28 in 10 overs to help dismiss Zimbabwe for 165 and set up a simple eight-run chase. New Zealand went on to win by nine wickets.

Auckland Aces left-arm seamer Ben Lister, originally brought in as pace cover, will stay with the squad.

“We are hopeful it’s nothing too serious. When he is so important to our side for the next six to eight months but also next year with all the Test cricket, we have got some big tours, we need to make sure we look after the big guy and make sure that he’s okay. So we have our fingers crossed for him and hopefully he’ll be back on the park soon,” said bowling coach Jacob Oram.

New Zealand have also lost Nathan Smith to an abdominal strain. Zakary Foulkes has joined the squad in his place. Latham’s status for the second Test remains uncertain.

While the Blackcaps juggle injuries, Zimbabwe will be closely watched as Brendan Taylor prepares for a possible return to international cricket. The former captain’s three-and-a-half-year suspension ended on July 26, clearing the way for his comeback.

The 39-year-old has already made a strong impression on head coach Justin Sammons, who praised Taylor’s early influence on the squad. He’s expected to bring needed experience and calm to a batting line-up that’s struggled with consistency.

On Sunday, Taylor played for reigning National Premier League champions Takashinga Patriots 1, marking his return with a half-century.

He debuted alongside ex-Chevrons skipper Graeme Cremer, who last played international cricket in 2018.

“It’s positive, I am looking forward to having him back in the side. Already he has added great value in the change room. You can see the way he leans on every word he says, the discussion he is having with the batters, he is already starting to make a difference.

“Even in training, you could really see everyone has upped their game a little bit with his presence there.

“We have already seen the difference in the side, it may not have shown in the Test necessarily in terms of batting results but you can see the inquisitiveness around trying to get as much information from him as possible.

“We are looking forward to seeing him out there in the middle and he brings so much to the side, we look forward to it,” said Sammons.

Play begins at 10am.