ZIM vs NZ 2025: New Zealand skipper Tom Latham ruled out of first Test due to shoulder injury

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham has been ruled out of the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, starting July 30, due to a shoulder injury. In his absence, white-ball captain Mitchell Santner has been named stand-in skipper, making him the 32nd player to lead New Zealand in men’s Test cricket.

Latham sustained the injury while fielding for Birmingham Bears in a Vitality Blast T20 match earlier this month. Though part of the touring squad, the left-handed opener hasn't recovered in time to feature in the playing XI for the series opener.

"It's hugely disappointing for Tom to be missing the first Test, as captain but also as an integral part of the team. It's never great when you lose your captain, who's a world-class opening batter and a great team man, but that said we're going to work really hard to have him available for the second Test. We'll continue to assess and see whether a replacement player is necessary, but at this stage we are hopeful that he'll recover in time," said head coach Rob Walter.

Latham will, however, remain with the squad as he eyes a return for the second Test beginning August 7. The management is hopeful of his recovery and has not yet named a replacement player.

ZIM vs NZ 2025: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 1st Test Preview

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ZIM vs NZ 2025: Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 1st Test Preview

Mitch did a wonderful job with the T20 squad: Rob Walter

In Latham’s absence, Mitchell Santner takes over the duties in the longer format for the first time. The 32-year-old all-rounder led New Zealand’s white-ball side to a victorious T20I tri-series campaign in Harare, including a thrilling three-run win over South Africa in the final. His performance as a leader in that series has earned him the the red-ball captaincy.

"Mitch did a wonderful job with the T20 squad in this recent series. He was excellent from a strategy point of view and he has a strong understanding of the game. Whilst the format is different, he certainly has the respect of the players and will be supported by some highly experienced Test cricketers, so I trust that he's going to do a great job," Walter added.

Though Santner has featured in 30 Tests, this will be his debut as a Test captain. The two-match Test series is New Zealand’s first red-ball tour of Zimbabwe since 2016.