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Tom Latham Ruled Out of Final T20I vs South Africa with Thumb Fracture

New Zealand batter Tom Latham has been ruled out of the fifth and final T20I against South Africa due to a thumb fracture sustained from a blow by bowler Nqobani Mokoena. He is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, with Tom Blundell staying on as squad cover. In Latham's absence, all-rounder James Neesham captained the side for the first time in his international career. The injury-hit New Zealand squad has also seen Ish Sodhi and Bevon Jacobs ruled out earlier in the series.

Key Points: Tom Latham out of NZ vs SA T20I with thumb injury

  • Latham injured by Nqobani Mokoena
  • Expected return in 2-3 weeks
  • Tom Blundell remains as cover
  • James Neesham captains NZ for first time
2 min read

NZ batter Latham ruled out of fifth T20I vs South Africa with thumb injury

NZ batter Tom Latham ruled out of final T20I vs South Africa with a thumb fracture. James Neesham captains for the first time.

"scans revealed a minor fracture to the tip of his thumb - NZC"

Christchurch, March 24

New Zealand batter Tom Latham has been ruled out of the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Hagley Oval on Wednesday with a thumb injury.

Latham was struck on his left thumb by South African fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena during the third T20I at Eden Park on Friday. NZC said that scans revealed a minor fracture to the tip of his thumb, and he is expected to return to training in two-to-three weeks time."

Tom Blundell, who came into the squad as top-order batting/wicketkeeper cover in the third T20I after Latham injured his finger, will remain with the squad as cover.

Latham, struck in the fourth over of the New Zealand chase, continued batting, finishing with 63 not out as the Black Caps won by eight wickets. Medical staff at the ground assessed Latham's thumb post-match, and he was subsequently flown to Christchurch the morning after the match for scans.

In Latham's absence, James Neesham took charge of the team at Eden Park, marking the first time in his decade-long international career that the all-rounder captains New Zealand in T20Is, making him the country's 12th player to do so.

Earlier in the series, Ish Sodhi and Bevon Jacobs were ruled out owing to a broken thumb and a left knee injury, respectively.

Jacobs left the ground on Sunday during the first T20I after falling on his left knee while fielding. Subsequent scans revealed bone bruising on the side of his knee, and Katene Clarke joined the squad for the second T20I in Hamilton as cover.

On the other hand, Sodhi was hit on the thumb while bowling at team training at Bay Oval ahead of the series opener, and a subsequent scan revealed a break which will require at least four weeks of rehabilitation.

Lockie Ferguson was added to the squad for the second and third matches in Hamilton and Auckland.

The five-match series is currently 3-1 in favour of the hosts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan, it's always disappointing to see key players ruled out. The series is already decided, but you want to see full-strength teams compete. Good opportunity for Neesham to captain though!
A
Arjun K
Injuries to Sodhi, Jacobs, and now Latham... NZ's physio team must be having a busy week! 😅 On a serious note, hope all players recover fully. Thumb injuries for batters are particularly tricky.
P
Priyanka N
Respectfully, I have to ask - should he have continued batting after being hit? Sometimes playing through an injury can make it worse. Player safety should come first, even in the heat of the moment.
V
Vikram M
Good to see Blundell getting a longer run in the squad. He's a solid player. With the T20 World Cup later this year, these injuries are a concern for New Zealand's depth. Get well soon, Latham! 🙏
K
Karan T
South Africa's pace attack causing problems even in a dead rubber! Mokoena with the nasty blow. At least the series is already in the bag for NZ. Interesting to see how they manage the final game.

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