Follow UsNew Zealand will continue to be without their regular captain Tom Latham, who has been ruled out of the second Test against Zimbabwe, which begins on August 7 (Friday). Like the first Test, spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner will lead the side, with the BlackCaps leading the series 1-0.
In his absence, New Zealand have called up Bevon Jacobs, who will be acting as a batting and fielding cover. The 23-year-old was playing club cricket in Johannesburg and had already travelled to Bulawayo.
"He's been working hard and had been tracking well towards the second Test, but unfortunately today he couldn't pass his fitness tests," Walter said. "He's extremely gutted he won't be able to take the park and we're really feeling for him."
"With Tom being ruled out on the eve of the match we needed to quickly bring in an extra pair of hands," Walter said. "Thankfully Bevon had been playing in Johannesburg and was able to make the short trip."
Not just that, the Blackcaps will also be without their pacer Will O’Rourke with a back injury. Instead, they have called up Ben Lister, who is yet to make his Test debut for New Zealand.