New Zealand’s pace bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to a calf injury.
Smith sustained the injury during batting on the second day of the first Test, which New Zealand won by 9 wickets. After scoring 22 runs off 79 balls, he left the field feeling discomfort and was unable to return. He had also taken 3 wickets for 20 runs in Zimbabwe’s first innings.
An MRI scan confirmed a strain in Smith’s calf, and he is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks as he recovers.
In Smith’s place, 23-year-old pace bowling all-rounder Jack Foulkes has been called up to the Test squad for the first time. Foulkes has played one ODI and 13 T20Is for New Zealand, and has appeared in 19 first-class matches, taking 57 wickets and scoring 544 runs.
There are also concerns over Will O’Rorke, who is dealing with a back problem. New Zealand Cricket has stated that he is under observation. O’Rorke took 3 wickets in 23 overs during the first Test.
To cover for O’Rorke, New Zealand has added Ben Lister to the squad. The 29-year-old pacer has represented New Zealand in 3 ODIs and 12 T20Is but has yet to make his Test debut. In first-class cricket, Lister has played 34 matches, taking 82 wickets, including a five-wicket haul and two four-wicket hauls.
The second Test between the two teams is set to begin next Thursday in Bulawayo.
