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Bracewell takes Phillips' place in New Zealand's first Test against Zimbabwe
Bracewell takes Phillips' place in New Zealand's first Test against Zimbabwe
Phillips was ruled out of the Tri-series and the two Tests after he suffered a right groin injury during the final of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 earlier this month.
New Zealand’s Test squad has undergone a late adjustment ahead of their two-match series against Zimbabwe, as Michael Bracewell steps in to replace the injured Glenn Phillips. This change came after Phillips suffered a groin injury during the Major League Cricket final on July 13, while representing Washington Freedom. His injury ruled him out of the red-ball leg of the tour, creating an unexpected gap in the lineup just days before the opening Test in Bulawayo.
Bracewell, who was initially unavailable for the Test series due to his commitments with The Hundred in England, happened to be in Zimbabwe as part of New Zealand’s T20I squad for the tri-series. With a window opening up in his schedule, and his immediate availability on hand, head coach Rob Walter saw his inclusion as an obvious solution. In Walter’s words, “Glenn's injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement. His experience and skill set will be a great asset and allow us to keep the same balance of the team."
Bracewell’s presence not only fills a crucial role but also ensures continuity in the team’s strategic setup, offering both batting depth and versatility. His international experience across formats adds a layer of confidence to New Zealand’s lineup as they prepare for their first Test tour to Zimbabwe since 2016 a long-awaited return to Bulawayo.
However, Bracewell’s availability is limited to the first Test only. Once it concludes, he’ll head back to the UK to resume his duties with Southern Brave in The Hundred. As for the second Test, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that a decision on a new replacement will be made in due course.
This series marks an important chapter for New Zealand cricket, blending preparation for future challenges with opportunities for less frequent matchups like Zimbabwe. It’s also a chance for newer combinations to be tested and for seasoned players like Bracewell to once again demonstrate their adaptability across formats.