New Zealand name Glenn Phillips’ replacement for Zimbabwe Test

Harare: New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been named as a replacement for Glenn Phillips for the first Test against Zimbabwe.

The 34-year-old is set to make a return in the Black Caps red-ball lineup for the first time since 2023.

Bracewell last featured in a Test match during Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand in 2023.

Having made his debut in the longest format back in 2022, Bracewell has 24 wickets and 259

runs to his name from eight matches, an ICC report said.

“Glenn’s injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement,” head coach Rob Walter said in a statement from New Zealand Cricket.

“Michael’s experience and skillset will be a great asset and allows us to keep the same balance of the team," he said.

"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," Walter said.

"We’ll get through the first Test and then we’ll make a decision whether we’ll replace him for the second Test,” he added.

Currently featuring in a T20I tri-nation series that also includes South Africa, Zimbabwe and New Zealand will lock horns in a two-Test series in Bulawayo starting July 30.

Series schedule:

1st Test: 30 July - 03 August, Bulawayo

2nd Test: 07 - 11 August, Bulawayo