TOP STORIES

New Zealand’s Nathan Smith ruled out of Zimbabwe Tests

Monday, 04-Aug-2025, 03:45 AM
News

New Zealand’s pace‑bowling all‑rounder Nathan Smith has been ruled out of the second and final Test against Zimbabwe due to an abdominal strain suffered during the first Test in Bulawayo. To fill the all-round void, New Zealand have handed a maiden Test call-up to Zak Foulkes, who was also part of New Zealand’s T20I tri-series campaign against Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

Smith first experienced discomfort while batting on Day 2 of the opening Test at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. He retired hurt on 22*, and subsequent MRI scans confirmed an abdominal strain, ruling him out of the series. Additionally, Ben Lister has been added as a backup pace option after Will O’Rourke reported back stiffness.

New Zealand, meanwhile, won the match by a convincing nine wickets, taking a 1–0 lead in the series. The second Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand is set to begin on August 7 at the Queens Sports Club at Bulawayo.


Tags

More News

News

IPL 2026 final: Rain threat looming over Ahmedabad

36 mins ago

The IPL 2026 final is just hours away, but weather conditions could play a decisive role as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the title clash in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both teams are aiming to secure their second Indian Premier League trophy; however, the skies above Ahmedabad could pose a massive threat....


News

"Everyone is talking about Sooryavanshi": Sachin Tendulkar hails the young talent

2 hrs ago

Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been hailed by legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar, describing the Rajasthan Royals star as a "truly special" talent and expressing his desire to see the youngster represent India in Test cricket in the future. However, Tendulkar also emphasised the importance of allowing the teenager to develop naturally rather tha...


News

RCB seek consecutive IPL trophies as GT hunt historic glory

3 hrs ago

The culmination of the action-packed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 comes tonight as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in the title clash at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday in Ahmedabad. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a fruitful campaign, and now they are only one victory away from creating history. After winning the...


News

"We're focused on giving our best": RCB captain Rajat Patidar ahead of IPL final against GT

6 hrs ago

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to defend their crown in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday, captain Rajat Patidar is approaching the occasion with great calmness. There is always a spotlight on the captain, but Patidar has chosen to focus on the journey rather than the pressure that comes with it. 

"I've never thought about what ...


News

GT and RCB gear up for blockbuster IPL final in Ahmedabad

20 hrs ago

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns with Gujarat Titans in a mouthwatering showdown in the IPL 2026 final, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It is the face-off between contrasting styles and philosophies, with both teams looking to stamp their authority. 

Royal Challengers Be...