Zimbabwe strike bowler Tendai Chatara has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand after hurting his ankle, Zimbabwe Cricket announced on Monday.

Chatara was expected to spearhead the Chevrons attack in two Tests in Bulawayo, starting on Thursday.

The 25-year-old sustained the injury, during the three-day warm up game between Zimbabwe A and the New Zealanders. He bowled 16 overs on the first day, and took one wicket for 53, but finished the day complaining of pain in the left-ankle.

Chatara will be replaced in the Zimbabwe squad by Michael Chinouya. The Mid-West Rhinos fast bowler has been training with the Zimbabwe A squad since mid-June.

Chinouya has played two one-day international matches for Zimbabwe, both at home against India three years ago, and will be making his Test debut if chosen to play in Bulawayo. He has played 65 first-class matches.

Chatara is the second Zimbabwe seamer to be ruled out after Tinashe Panyangara also failed to recover from a back problem in time for the series.

Zimbabwe will be playing their first Test series in almost 20 months. Both tests are at the Queens Sports Club. The second is from August 6-10.