Chatara ruled out of New Zealand Test series

Tendai Chatara, the Zimbabwe fast bowler, has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against New Zealand. The pacer experienced pain in his left ankle during the three-day warm-up game in Harare against the visitors and was forced to sit out on the third and final day.

Chatara bowled a total of 16 overs in the warm-up game and gave away 53 runs for his one wicket. "On Saturday morning, the ankle had swollen up and he was walking with a limp. Treatment and strapping did not help and he had to sit out the whole day," Zimbabwe Cricket said in a release on Sunday (July 24). "Given that the ankle complaint is a recurrence of an old injury and Chatara's role would be to spearhead the Zimbabwe attack, Zimbabwe A physiotherapist Travor Wambe has recommended that the 25-year-old bowler be replaced."

Michael Chinouya, who has represented Zimbabwe in two One-Day Internationals, has been called up as a replacement for Chatara. Chinouya, the right-arm pacer, has played 65 first-class games and has 166 wickets to his name at an average of 26.84.

There was another injury scare for the hosts as Tinotenda Mawoyo, the opener, retired hurt after facing just three balls in the practice game. Mawoyo was hit on the thumb in the game against South Africa A about a week ago and complained of pain soon after walking out to bat.

The first Test begins on July 28 in Bulawayo.