CSB - Jacob Oram - Blackcaps

New Zealand captain Tom Latham has been ruled out of the first cricket test against Zimbabwe, starting tonight in Bulawayo.

He has failed to recover from a shoulder injury suffered while fielding for Birmingham during an English T20 game this month. 

Latham will remain with the squad in a bid to recover for the second match starting August 7.

In his absence, white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner will become the 32nd man to lead the side in the format.