New Zealand will have to continue without their regular Test captain Tom Latham, who has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo due to a lingering shoulder injury. The left-handed opener, who also missed the first Test, was undergoing intensive rehabilitation but failed a late fitness test on the eve of the second match.
Latham’s absence is a significant blow to the Black Caps, not only for his role at the top of the order but also for his leadership. Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment at the development, noting how close the opener had come to making a return.
“He’s been working hard and had been tracking well towards the second Test, but unfortunately today he couldn’t pass his fitness tests,” Walter said. “He’s extremely gutted he won’t be able to take the park and we’re really feeling for him.”
The New Zealand team had been cautiously optimistic about Latham’s return, with the 32-year-old putting in extensive rehab sessions in Bulawayo. However, the coaching staff and medical team ultimately made the call that it was not worth risking further damage.
Latham’s injury creates a leadership void, but the team will once again look to allrounder Mitchell Santner, who successfully captained New Zealand in the first Test. Santner, who became the country’s 32nd Test captain during that match, will continue in the role for the second and final game of the series.
Santner to Lead Again as Bevon Jacobs Joins Squad
Santner’s elevation to leadership has drawn praise from the team’s management, especially after guiding the side to a convincing performance in the opening Test. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical awareness, Santner has previously captained New Zealand in white-ball formats, but the Zimbabwe series marks his first foray into Test captaincy.
“It’s a great opportunity for Mitch to continue growing into the role,” Walter said. “He led the team well in the first Test, and the group responded to his leadership with a disciplined and dominant performance. We’re confident he’ll do the same this time around.”
With Latham officially out and the team in need of quick reinforcement, New Zealand has brought in young Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs as fielding and batting cover. The 23-year-old had been playing club cricket in Johannesburg and was quickly flown into Bulawayo to join the squad.
“Tom being ruled out so close to the start of the Test meant we needed to move quickly,” said Walter. “Thankfully Bevon had been playing nearby and was able to make the short trip. He’s someone who’s been on our radar, and this gives him a chance to integrate with the group.”
Jacobs has been a promising performer in domestic cricket and has been on the fringe of national selection. Though not expected to break into the playing XI barring any last-minute injuries, his presence adds crucial depth to the squad and ensures the team is adequately covered across disciplines.
New Zealand’s current tour of Zimbabwe is part of a broader effort to test bench strength and provide opportunities to emerging players in less high-profile series. While the Black Caps remain favorites against Zimbabwe, the absence of Latham does provide an additional test of resilience and adaptability for the visitors.
Santner, meanwhile, will be expected to marshal his bowlers effectively and continue applying pressure on the home side. His own form with both bat and ball will also be under the spotlight, especially as New Zealand eyes a clean sweep.
For Latham, the setback marks another frustrating chapter in what has otherwise been a consistent and reliable Test career. The hope within the New Zealand camp is that the extra rest will allow him to recover fully ahead of the team’s next assignment.
Despite the late disruption, the mood in the Black Caps’ camp remains positive. With young talents being integrated and experienced players like Santner stepping up, the team views this challenge as another opportunity to demonstrate the depth and character of New Zealand cricket.
As the second Test gets underway, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to Latham’s absence and whether Santner can once again lead his side to victory on foreign soil.
