New Zealand Turn to Bracewell After Phillips Injury Rocks Test Plans
New Zealand’s red-ball plans were thrown a curveball just days before their first Test in Bulawayo, as batting all-rounder Michael Bracewell was drafted into the squad to replace the injured Glenn Phillips.
Phillips, who sustained a groin injury during the Major League Cricket final on July 13, was originally set to play a key role in the two-Test series.
Bracewell, initially unavailable due to commitments with The Hundred in England, was already in Zimbabwe with the T20I squad—making him a timely and tactical replacement.
Head coach Rob Walter endorsed the move, “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.”
Walter added:“Given he’s here with the T20 squad and his availability aligned for the first Test, we are using the opportunity to include him in the squad.
“We will get through the first Test and then make a decision whether we will replace him for the second Test.”
Bracewell, who last played a Test in 2023, has 259 runs and 24 wickets from eight matches. His aggressive batting and off-spin make him a versatile option in Zimbabwean conditions.
He will return to the UK to join Southern Brave after the first Test.
The series, which begins July 30 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, is not part of the current World Test Championship cycle. It marks New Zealand’s first red-ball tour of Zimbabwe since 2016.
All eyes now turn to Bulawayo, where Bracewell’s return could shape the series opener.
-Chronicle
