NZ hit by illness ahead of second Test

New Zealand say their key players have shaken off a bug that ran through the team ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe.

Fast bowlers Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Tim Southee as well as wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling were the worst affected by the illness, but allrounder Mitchell Santner says they will be good to return to Bulawayo for the second match of the series, starting on Saturday.

"I think there was a little bit of a bug floating around... the lads have all come through it," the left-armer spinner said.

"I think they are all good to go and ready for the second Test."

Surprisingly it's not the first time in recent times that the NZ camp has been struck down by illness in the lead up to a crucial match. Star batsman Kane Williamson and veteran spinner Daniel Vettori were among several players hit by a virus during the Cricket World Cup last year ahead of their match against Bangladesh.

Santner predicted the match conditions in Bulawayo would be similar to the first Test, 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."

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.