Tom Latham - (Source : @NewZealandCricket/X.Com)
In a significant development around New Zealand cricket, skipper Tom Latham has been ruled out of the first Test against Zimbabwe. Notably, the Kiwis have travelled to Zimbabwe for a two-match Test series starting on July 30. However, the visitors will be without their regular skipper.
New Zealand cricket took to social media platforms to update the fans about Latham's absence and revealed that the 33-year-old won't play the first Test because of a shoulder injury.
Mitchell Santner Named As Stand-In Skipper
Notably, Latham suffered the injury during his recent stint with Warwickshire in the T20 Blast 2025, where he injured himself while fielding. The New Zealand Cricket Board revealed that Mitchell Santner will lead the side for the first Test as stand-in skipper, becoming the 32nd cricketer in Black Caps' history to lead the side in Test cricket. Further, the Kiwis have not named any replacement for their injured captain.
“"It’s hugely disappointing for Tom to be missing the first Test, as captain but also as an integral part of the team. It’s never great when you lose your captain, who’s a world-class opening batter and a great team man, but that said, we’re going to work really hard to have him available for the second Test," remarked Rob Walter during his presser.
Latham Suffers Second Major Injury In 2025
It is not the first time this year that Latham will miss cricketing action because of injury, as the southpaw also was ruled out of the ODIs against Pakistan in Match 2025, as Latham had fractured his right hand.
Latham has featured in a tri-series in Pakistan and the Champions Trophy 2025, which was his last appearance for New Zealand. Following the recovery from a hand fracture, Latham featured in County cricket and the T20 blast, where he looked in great touch and amassed 404 runs in 14 innings.