Mumbai, August 4: 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. ZIM vs NZ 1st Test 2025: Matt Henry’s Nine Scalps Power New Zealand to 10-Wicket Win Over Zimbabwe.

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. ZIM vs NZ 1st Test 2025: Devon Conway Slams 88 as New Zealand Post 307, Zimbabwe Reach 31/2 in Second Innings and Trail by 127 Runs at Stumps on Day 2.

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.

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