Zak Foulkes Maiden Test Call-Up, After Smith's Injuries

The young all-rounder Zakary "Zak" Foulkes has been given the chance to make his Test debut by New Zealand after Nathan Smith suffered an abdominal injury while on tour in Zimbabwe. The Test squad has picked 22-year-old Foulkes as Smith's replacement after he was ruled out for two to four weeks.

Career Highlight

Age and Role: 21–22 years old, medium all-rounder with a right arm (bats and bowls).

Domestic Credentials: With 14 wickets at an average of 16.28 and a remarkable T20 batting strike rate of 150, he was Canterbury's top wicket-taker in the 2023–24 Super Smash. He has also participated in first-class cricket, bowling at an average of about 26 and taking 50 wickets in 17 games.

T20I Experience: One ODI appearance in November 2024, along with seven T20Is for New Zealand, with nine wickets

Why does he select?

Smith suddenly pulled out of the current Zimbabwe Test series due to an abdominal ailment. Foulkes has advanced significantly from the T20 setup to Test cricket.

After suffering serious injuries, he was selected for Pakistan's T20I team in April 2024, which was his first international exposure. His first senior national selection was that one.

The first Test was won by New Zealand by nine wickets. Bulawayo will host the second Test starting on August 7.

 

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