Jimmy Neesham is set to captain the Black Caps for the first time in tonight’s fourth Twenty20 cricket match against South Africa in Wellington.
The veteran allrounder steps up as usual captain Mitch Santner takes a break for the final two games of the series.
Tom Latham was initially slated to stand in as skipper, but he has been withdrawn due to a thumb injury.
Neesham’s Opportunity and Latham’s Injury
Neesham will become the 12th man to captain the Black Caps in a T20 match.
The 35-year-old has played 103 T20s for the Black Caps.
Latham has gone for scans in Christchurch to determine the extent of his injury after he was struck by a delivery from South African quick Nqobani Mokoena at Eden Park on Friday night.
The 33-year-old was hit in the fourth over but continued batting, finishing with the Black Caps’ top score, unbeaten on 63 off 55 balls, as he guided the hosts to an eight-wicket win in Auckland.
Series Status and Latham’s Availability
Latham’s involvement in the fifth and final T20 against South Africa at Hagley Oval will be determined after the results of his scans are revealed.
Tom Blundell has joined the squad as cover in Latham’s absence.
Black Caps Aim for Series Win
The Black Caps lead the five-match series 2-1 and victory in Wellington would see them secure a series win with a match to spare.
Play is set to get underway at 7.15pm.
The White Ferns are hosting their Proteas counterparts in the first game of the doubleheader.