Santner to Lead Again as Latham's Shoulder Injury Persists, Sidelines Him for Second Zimbabwe Test

Tom Latham will miss the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo due to a persistent shoulder injury. The left-handed opener's inability to recover means Mitchell Santner will continue as captain.

Mitchell Santner leading New Zealand in the first Test © BCCI

Latham, who also sat out the first Test, underwent rehabilitation but failed a fitness test before the second match. Head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment, stating it was "hugely disappointing".

Walter added, "He's been working hard and had been tracking well towards the second Test, but unfortunately today he couldn't pass his fitness tests. He's extremely gutted he won't be able to take the park and we're really feeling for him."

Santner, who became the 32nd Test captain for New Zealand in the first Test, will retain the captaincy for the second Test.

Bevon Jacobs, a batter from Auckland Aces, has been called up to the squad as a replacement. The 23-year-old was playing club cricket in Johannesburg and was available on short notice.

"With Tom being ruled out on the eve of the match we needed to quickly bring in an extra pair of hands," Walter explained. "Thankfully Bevon had been playing in Johannesburg and was able to make the short trip."