New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe with an abdominal strain.
In a release on Sunday (August 3), New Zealand Cricket announced Smith wouldn't take any further part in the Zimbabwe series after suffering the injury during the first match, which New Zealand won by 10 wickets.
1st Test, Zimbabwe vs New Zealand
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"Blackcaps pace-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the remainder of the Zimbabwe Test series with an abdominal injury," the release said. "Smith sustained the injury while batting on day two of the first Test in Bulawayo, and a subsequent MRI has confirmed he picked up an abdominal strain which will require approximately two to four weeks recovery."
Zakary Foulkes to replace Nathan Smith; Ben Lister called up
Right-arm seamer Zakary Foulkes has been called up as Smith's replacement, while fast bowler Ben Lister has also been added to the squad as cover for Will O'Rourke, who, according to the NZC statement, "experienced back stiffness on day three and is being monitored".
Smith bowled a miserly spell in the first innings of the first Test, recording figures of 14-8-20-3. With the bat, he made 22 off 79 balls from No.9 before retiring hurt. This was the third Test match of Smith's career, having made his debut in the format against England last year. He has also featured in 10 ODIs so far.
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Foulkes, Smith's replacement, has represented New Zealand in 13 T20Is and one ODI which was washed out, but is yet to play Test cricket. The 23-year-old fast bowler has 57 wickets to his name from 19 first-class games at an average of 27.15.
Lister, who's been called up as cover for O'Rourke, has played three ODIs and 12 T20Is, the last of which came in April 2024.
The second and final Test of the series, not a part of the World Test Championship, starts on August 7 in Bulawayo.
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