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Key Points

New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal strain. Rising star Zak Foulkes has received his first Test call-up as Smith's replacement. Smith had contributed with both bat and ball before getting injured during the first Test. The Black Caps will face Zimbabwe again on August 7 in Bulawayo.

Key Points: Nathan Smith Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Test With Abdominal Injury

  • Nathan Smith retired hurt after scoring 22* in first Test
  • Zak Foulkes earns maiden Test call-up as replacement
  • Will O'Rourke under observation for back stiffness
  • Second Test begins August 7 at Bulawayo's Queens Sports Club
2 min read

Nathan Smith ruled out of second Test against Zimbabwe due to abdominal injury

New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith misses second Zimbabwe Test due to injury, replaced by debutant Zak Foulkes.

"Smith sustained the injury while batting, and a subsequent MRI confirmed an abdominal strain. - ICC"

New Delhi, August 3

New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second and final Test of the two-match series against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal injury.

Zak Foulkes, who recently featured for the Black Caps in the T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, has received his maiden call-up to the Test squad as a replacement for Smith, as per the ICC.

Foulkes snapped two wickets in the three games he bowled, including the final, which New Zealand edged out by three runs against the Proteas.

Smith, who was a part of the Black Caps' nine-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the first Test, picked up an injury while batting in New Zealand's first innings and eventually retired hurt on 22*.

He also nabbed three wickets for the visitors in the first innings.

However, on Day 2 in Bulawayo, Smith sustained the injury while batting, and a subsequent MRI confirmed that he had picked up an abdominal strain.

Will O'Rourke is also being monitored after experiencing back stiffness, even as Ben Lister has been called in as a pace bowling cover for the lanky fast bowler.

The second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is scheduled to be played at the Queens Sports Club at Bulawayo from 7 August.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Why are we even covering Zimbabwe vs NZ matches so extensively? Our media should focus more on domestic cricket and emerging Indian players. Just saying!
V
Vikram M
Abdominal injuries can be tricky. Remember when Bumrah had similar issues? Took him months to recover fully. NZ team management should be careful with Smith's rehab.
S
Sarah B
Exciting opportunity for Zak Foulkes! Making Test debut is every cricketer's dream. Hope he grabs this chance with both hands 🤞
K
Karthik V
NZ's bench strength is impressive. Even with injuries, they have quality replacements. Something our selectors should learn from - need to develop more backup options!
P
Priya S
The article mentions Will O'Rourke's back stiffness too. NZ should be careful not to overburden their young pacers. We've seen what happened with our own Prasidh Krishna.

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