New Zealand head into the second Test against Zimbabwe on Thursday in Bulawayo with a string of injury setbacks but remain determined to wrap up an undefeated tour across formats.
Having already claimed the T20I Tri-Series title with a perfect record and clinched the first Test by nine wickets, the BlackCaps will aim to end their Zimbabwe sojourn on a high despite missing key personnel.
O’Rourke, Latham, Smith All Sidelined
The latest blow came in the form of promising pacer Will O’Rourke, who has been ruled out of the second Test after experiencing back stiffness during the first match.
Will developed back pain during the third day and won’t be available for selection. He will return home on Wednesday for further assessment.
Tom Latham, the regular Test captain, will miss a second consecutive match due to injury, while pace-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith has also been sidelined after sustaining an abdominal strain while batting on Day 2 of the first Test. MRI scans revealed the injury would require a 2–4 week recovery period.
Zak Foulkes, who featured in the T20I Tri-Series, has been called up to replace Smith and could be in line for a maiden Test cap.
Oram Hints at Debutants
Despite the injuries, New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram struck a positive tone ahead of the match.
Really happy, satisfied. A lot of things we talked about beforehand went the way we wanted, especially with the ball – to get 20 wickets for around 300 runs, you’ve got to be happy.
He acknowledged the challenges of losing key bowlers mid-match but praised the response from the rest of the squad.
“Once Smith and O’Rourke had gone off, I thought Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell and the spin bowlers really stood up and did a great job for us.”
Oram hinted that fresh faces might get a chance in the XI: “I think there’s a very good chance there’s a debutant playing in the second Test and that’s exciting. From my perspective as bowling coach, I see these guys improve every day in the nets. I can’t wait to see whoever it is make their debut and do their thing.”
Zimbabwe Reeling, But Not Without Hope
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are seeking to arrest a five-match losing streak in Tests and bounce back from a poor showing across formats this summer.
They were outplayed by South Africa in the preceding Test series and failed to register a win in the Tri-Series. Batting frailties have plagued the side, with only Craig Ervine and Sean Williams showing any sort of resistance.
Unless Zimbabwe can produce a standout performance with the bat, another tough outing awaits them.
BlackCaps Seek Perfect Tour Finish
With five wins from five in T20s and a convincing Test win already in the bag, New Zealand have a chance to complete a flawless tour.
Despite fielding a depleted squad, the team remains confident. The first Test displayed the squad’s depth, and the prospect of new talent stepping up could be the storyline of the second encounter.
A perfect end to a near-perfect tour? The BlackCaps believe it’s very much on the cards.
