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Nathan Smith Ruled Out Of 2nd Test Vs Zimbabwe; New Zealand Call Zak Foulkes As Replacement

Jatin

Nathan Smith suffered an injury in the 1st Test [Source: @BLACKCAPS/x.com]Nathan Smith suffered an injury in the 1st Test [Source: @BLACKCAPS/x.com]

New Zealand have been forced into a last-minute shuffle ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe as Nathan Smith has been ruled out with an abdominal injury. In his place, Zak Foulkes has received his maiden Test call-up, a golden opportunity for the young all-rounder to make his mark in the red-ball format.

Nathan Smith Picks Up Abdominal Strain

Nathan Smith had a decent outing in the first Test in Bulawayo, where the Black Caps thumped Zimbabwe by nine wickets. He picked up three wickets with the ball and looked steady with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 22 before retiring hurt after picking up the injury on Day 2.

Turns out, the blow was more than just a niggle. An MRI confirmed an abdominal strain, which has now sidelined the pace-bowling all-rounder for the rest of the series. It’s a tough break for Smith, who had started to look settled in the Test XI.

Foulkes Handed A Big Chance

In comes Zak Foulkes, who was recently part of the T20I tri-series featuring Zimbabwe and South Africa. While his numbers weren’t earth-shattering, just two wickets in three games, he bowled with decent control and even played in the thrilling final where New Zealand edged past South Africa by three runs.

Now, the 22-year-old will trade white-ball duties for whites, joining the squad for the second Test starting August 7 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. For a player still finding his feet in international cricket, this is as big a stage as any.

More Injury Concerns In The Kiwi Camp

It doesn’t stop with Smith. The New Zealand camp is also keeping a close eye on Will O’Rourke, who has been dealing with some back stiffness. As a precaution, the selectors have called in Ben Lister as a pace-bowling cover, just in case O’Rourke doesn’t pull up well ahead of the second match.

The Kiwis have the upper hand after dominating the first Test, but with key pacers now under injury clouds, their bowling plans may need some tinkering. For Zak Foulkes, though, this is a dream come true and if he can grab this chance with both hands, New Zealand might just unearth their next red-ball