Zimbabwe Battles New Zealand After Nine-Year Test Gap

In a historic cricketing encounter, Zimbabwe's captain Craig Ervine took a decisive stance by choosing to bat against New Zealand, reviving their first test match clash in nearly nine years.

The absent regulars from the New Zealand side, including skipper Tom Latham, whose injury has sidelined him, presented an opportunity for Mitchell Santner to step up as test captain for the first time.

Despite the absence of key players, New Zealand aims to utilize Santner's leadership, hoping the pitch conditions will favor their fast bowlers against a bolstered Zimbabwe squad featuring Sikandar Raza's return.

(With inputs from agencies.)