Nathan Smith ruled out of ZIM vs NZ test series; New Zealand announce replacement

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :August 3, 2025 at 6:40 PM

Modified at :August 3, 2025 at 6:40 PM

(Courtesy : Twitter/Black Caps)

Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the series due to an abdominal injury.

New Zealand pacer Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the ongoing test series against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal injury. The right-arm pacer sustained the injury while batting on day two of first test, where he picked three wickets.

Medical tests revealed that Smith has picked up an abdominal strain and will need about two to four weeks to recover from the injury. Zak Foulkes has been named as a replacement for Smith in New Zealand squad.

Foulkes was part of the recent T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe, which New Zealand won by defeating South Africa in the final. He has not played any tests for the Black Caps so far and has earned a maiden call-up in the longest format of the game.

The right-arm pacer has played one ODI and 13 T20Is in his career. Moreover, Ben Lister has been added as a cover for Will O’Rourke as the latter has experienced back stiffness.

New Zealand defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the opening test

Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner, New Zealand test cricket — Mitchell Santner and Tom Latham of New Zealand (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, New Zealand crushed Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the opening test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe piled up 149/10 in the first innings, with captain Craig Ervine playing a knock of 39 runs.

Matt Henry clinched a spectacular six-wicket haul while Smith hunted three wickets. New Zealand piled up 307/10 in the first innings, with half-centuries by Devon Conway (88) and Daryl Mitchell (80).

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 165 runs in the second innings, with Sean Williams (49) being the top run-getter. Mitchell Santner hunted four wickets while Henry and O’Rourke clinched three wickets each.

Later, New Zealand chased down a target of eight runs like a walk in the park. New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0, and the second clash will begin on August 7.

Why has Nathan Smith been ruled out of test series against Zimbabwe?

Nathan Smith has been ruled out of test series against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal injury.

Who has replaced Nathan Smith in New Zealand squad?

Zak Foulkes has replaced Nathan Smith in New Zealand squad for test series against Zimbabwe.

Who lead ZIM vs NZ test series?

New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0. They won the first test by nine wickets.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.