Big blow to New Zealand, 26-year-old fast bowler out of second Test match

Before the second and last Test match to be played against Zimbabwe between 7 and 11 August, the New Zealand cricket team was dealt a big setback when its 26-year-old pace bowler Nathan Smith was sidelined from the game because of abdominal issues. New Zealand Cricket provided details in this context on Sunday. New Zealand Cricket announced that the scan showed Smith suffers from a stomach strain, which will heal in two to four weeks.

New Zealand has replaced Nathan Smith with Zac Foulkes in the team for the second Test match against Zimbabwe. Zac Foulkes was one of the successful members of the New Zealand team in the just-concluded triangular T20 series in Harare.

Auckland's Ben Lister has also been called up as cover for fellow fast bowler Will O'Rourke. Will O'Rourke is being monitored for back stiffness after New Zealand's nine-wicket win in the first Test in Bulawayo.

27-year-old Nathan Smith, playing his third Test match, took three wickets for 20 runs in 14 overs in the first innings of the first Test against Zimbabwe. However, he could not bowl in the second innings due to injury during his unbeaten innings of 22. He shared a 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Daryl Mitchell in the second innings.