Online Reporter
BLACKCAPS Test captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe starting today after failing to recover from his left shoulder injury.
Latham, who was withdrawn from the first Test, had been rehabilitating the injury but was unable to pass a fitness test on the eve of the match.
Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs, who has been playing cricket in Johannesburg, has been called in as fielding and batting cover.
BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter said it was unfortunate to lose Latham.
“It’s hugely disappointing to lose Tom again,” said Walter.
“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.
“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.”
Mitch Santner, who led the team in Latham’s absence and became the BLACKCAPS 32nd Test captain, will also lead the team for the second Test. – New Zealand Cricket
