Bracewell Called Up as Phillips Injury Forces Change to New Zealand's Test Squad for Zimbabwe Series

Michael Bracewell has been named to the New Zealand squad for the first Test match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. This decision comes after Glenn Phillips was sidelined due to a right groin injury sustained during the Major League Cricket final.

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

Initially, Bracewell was unavailable for the two-Test series because of his commitments to Southern Brave in The Hundred. However, he is currently with the T20I squad in Zimbabwe. Head coach Rob Walter believes Bracewell is the ideal replacement for Phillips, ensuring team balance.

Walter stated, "Glenn's injury created an opening in the Test squad, and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement. His experience and skillset will be a great asset and allows us to maintain the team's balance. Given his presence with the T20 squad and availability for the first Test, we are taking the opportunity to include him."

The team will assess the situation after the first Test before deciding whether to replace Bracewell for the second Test.

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