Tom Latham out of first Test against Zimbabwe

Tuesday, 29-Jul-2025, 10:48 AM

New Zealand captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the first Test against Zimbabwe due to a shoulder injury. Following his absence, Mitchell Santner, who also serves as New Zealand’s white-ball captain, will step up to lead the side. Latham, who has not made a complete recovery to play the first Test, picked up the injury while fielding during a T20 match for Birmingham earlier this month.

However, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed optimism that Latham will recover in time.

“It’s never great when you lose your captain (Tom Latham), who’s a world-class opening batter and a great team man, but that said we’re going to work really hard to have him available for the second Test. We’ll continue to assess and see whether a replacement player is necessary, but at this stage we are hopeful that he'll recover in time," Rob Walter said.

Mitchell Santner, who recently led New Zealand to series victory in the Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, has played 30 Tests for New Zealand.

“Mitch did a wonderful job with the T20 squad in this recent series. Whilst the format is different, he certainly has the respect of the players and will be supported by some highly experienced Test cricketers, so I trust that he’s going to do a great job.”

More News

The chase master Virat Kohli turns 37

13 mins ago

Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli turns 37 today, and the legend continues to impress his fans with his fighting spirit and unflinching tenacity. Ever since the batting legend burst onto the international stage with his fearless attitude, Kohli has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket. More importantly, Kohli has transcended the sport, becoming not just one of India’s finest b...

AUS vs IND, 4th T20I: All you need to know, head-to-head, playing XI

1 hr ago

Australia and India are getting ready to take on each other in the fourth T20I of the five-match series scheduled to be played on Thursday at Carrara Stadium. The series is currently levelled 1-1 after Australia clinched the second game and India responded with the victory in the third. Notably, the first match had been washed out. Heading into...

Haris Rauf gets two-match suspension following Asia Cup botch

2 hrs ago

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has been ruled out of the second ODI against South Africa, as he continues to serve a suspension handed down by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The pacer had already missed the first ODI of the ongoing series on Tuesday, following a two-match ban in the wake of multiple disciplinary breaches committed during the Asia Cup 2025.

Acco...

Australia unveil squad for first Ashes Test, Labuschagne returns to the fold

3 hrs ago

Australia have unveiled a 15-man squad for the opening Test of the Ashes, set to begin on 21 November in Perth, and it features some significant selection moves. Uncapped opener Jake Weatherald has been named in the squad, and veteran campaigner Marnus Labuschagne has been recalled after a supreme domestic start. Labuschagne returns to the fold...

England announce Men’s Central Contract list, Jack Leach, Jonny Bairstow miss out

18 hrs ago

England Test skipper Ben Stokes has signed a two-year central contract, signalling his 2027 Ashes readiness. A total of 30 players have been awarded the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB)

central contracts, with Jacob Bethell being given a two-year contract. Pace ace Jofra Archer has also signed an extended two-year contract.

Players like Will Jacks...