New Zealand’s cricket team faces a setback as Tom Latham will miss the fourth T20I against South Africa due to an injury sustained from a blow to his thumb during the third T20I. Despite the injury, Latham played on, scoring an unbeaten 63 runs and securing a victory for New Zealand. Tom Blundell will replace Latham in the squad for the upcoming match in Wellington.
Latham’s thumb injury was examined post-game, and he has been flown to Christchurch for further scans to determine his availability for the fifth T20I. In his absence, James Neesham will lead the team for the first time in his T20I career, becoming the 12th player to captain New Zealand in this format.
The series has already seen Ish Sodhi and Bevon Jacobs ruled out due to injuries, with the hosts currently leading 2-1. The inclusion of Tom Blundell and James Neesham in the squad marks significant changes for New Zealand as they aim to maintain their series lead against South Africa.
