Kiwis see off bug ahead of second Test

New Zealand's three strike bowlers have seen off a bug which laid them low between the two Tests of the Zimbabwe series, says Mitchell Santner.

New Zealand strike bowler Trent Boult

NZ's three strike bowlers have shaken off a bug and should be fine for their Test with Zimbabwe. (AAP)

The New Zealand cricketers have shaken off a bug that ran through the team and should be fine for the start of the second Test against Zimbabwe.

The three fast bowlers Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Tim Southee, and wicketkeeper BJ Watling were the worst affected.

However, allrounder Mitchell Santner says they will be good to return to Bulawayo for the second match, starting on Saturday.

"I think there was a little bit of a bug floating around... the lads have all come through it. I think they are all good to go and ready for the second Test."

Santner predicted the match conditions would be similar to the first, which New Zealand won by an innings and 117 runs.

"If we don't take wickets with the new ball it's about building that pressure on a reasonably flat wicket.

"We know it's going to be a bit tough through the middle, we've just got to stick at it."

Left-arm spinner Santner said the Queens Sports Club pitch had offered some turn out of the bowlers' footmarks in the first Test.

"There was a little bit, near the end, the last couple of days, but it's quite slow turn though, so you've got to really work hard, it's not sharp turn."

The team has been spending time at former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak's farm outside Bulawayo, which Santner said had offered the players opportunity to see local wildlife.


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Source: AAP


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