Bracewell Called Up as Phillips Injury Rocks New Zealand's Zimbabwe Test Squad

Michael Bracewell has been named as the replacement for Glenn Phillips, who is sidelined with a right groin injury, in the New Zealand squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Phillips sustained the injury during the final of Major League Cricket, forcing him to withdraw from the tour.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter believes Michael Bracewell is the closest like-for-like replacement for Glenn Phillips © Getty

Bracewell's inclusion comes despite his prior commitment to Southern Brave in The Hundred. He is currently with the T20I squad in Zimbabwe. Head coach Rob Walter believes Bracewell is the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Phillips' absence.

Walter stated, "Glenn's injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement. Michael's experience and skillset will be a great asset and allows us to keep the same balance of the team. Given he's here with the T20 squad and his availability aligned for the first Test, we're using the opportunity to include him in the squad."

The team will assess the situation after the first Test before deciding whether a further replacement is needed for the second Test.

Following the first Test, Bracewell is expected to rejoin Southern Brave to participate in The Hundred tournament.