Former RCB Star Replaces Glenn Phillips In New Zealand’s Test Squad

New Zealand have announced that all-rounder Michael Bracewell has replaced Glenn Phillips in the squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Phillips was named in the initial squad, but he’s been replaced following a groin injury he picked up in Major League Cricket (MLC), which ruled him out of the T20I tri-series as well. 

Bracewell, who has been playing in the ongoing tri-series, has been added to the squad and is in line to make his first Test appearance since 2023.

"Glenn's injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said, reported Cricbuzz.

 "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.

"We'll get through the first Test and then we'll make a decision whether we'll replace him for the second Test."

Both Tests of the two-match series will be played in Bulawayo. The first Test will start from July 30. The series is not a part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.