Zimbabwe seamer Kyle Jarvis has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka, starting this Monday at Harare Sports Club, after sustaining a lower back injury during the first match.
He underwent an MRI scan on Saturday that confirmed a disc bulge.
Jarvis had been struggling with back movements due to lower back pain, muscle spasms and stiffness.
A specialist doctor advised him to rest while taking anti-inflammation medication and he will start physiotherapy as soon as the pain has subsided.
His absence could see either Carl Mumba or the yet-to-be-capped Charlton Tshuma coming into the playing eleven.
The selectors have called up all-rounder Tinotenda Mutombodzi, who might fancy his chance of getting straight into action for his leg-spin and batting abilities.
“Apart from Jarvis missing the game due to injury, we are likely to stick with the same team, giving the middle order another chance,” convenor of selectors David Mutendera said.
“The only addition to the squad is Mutombodzi, a good bowler whose batting ability will also be a massive boost for us.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe received a timely boost with opening batsman Kevin Kasuza returning to full training ahead of the second Test.
He failed to finish the first match due to mild concussion after he was struck on the side of his helmet while fielding at short-leg just before lunch on day three.
Kasuza is expected to play as Zimbabwe seek to level the two-match series.
Zimbabwe Test squad:
Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Craig Ervine, Kevin Kasuza, Timycen Maruma, Prince Masvaure, Brian Mudzinganyama, Carl Mumba, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Ainsley Ndlovu, Victor Nyauchi, Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano, Charlton Tshuma, Sean Williams (captain)
