Smith sidelined with abdominal injury during Bulawayo Test

Nathan Smith, the New Zealand all-rounder, will miss the second Test against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal strain, according to confirmation from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Sunday.

Zakary Foulkes, another all-rounder, has been selected to take his place, marking his first-ever selection for the Test team.

The injury occurred while Smith was batting during the second day of the initial Test in Bulawayo. Subsequent MRI examination confirmed the strain, with an anticipated recovery period of two to four weeks.

The 27-year-old made a significant contribution to New Zealand’s bowling performance in the first innings, securing 3 wickets for 20 runs as Zimbabwe was bowled out for 149.

However, he had to retire hurt with 22 runs from 79 deliveries during New Zealand’s batting innings and was unable to participate further in the match.

Meanwhile, left-arm fast bowler Ben Lister has also joined the squad as injury cover for Will O’Rourke, who reported stiffness in his back on the third day of the first Test.

O’Rourke delivered 13 overs in the first innings and 10 in the second, claiming 3 wickets for 28 runs in his second spell. NZC has stated that his condition is being closely monitored.

Foulkes’s cricketing experience includes 13 T20Is and one ODI for New Zealand. He was a member of the recent tri-series that featured Zimbabwe and South Africa, where New Zealand emerged victorious in a thrilling final.

At the domestic level, he has played in 19 first-class matches, securing 57 wickets and accumulating 544 runs at an average of 19.42.

Lister is yet to participate in a Test match but has featured in three ODIs and 12 T20Is for New Zealand. His most recent international appearance was over a year ago in Pakistan.