New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named Michael Bracewell as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips in the squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Phillips, who sustained a right groin injury during the Major League Cricket final while playing for the Washington Freedom, had already been ruled out of the ongoing T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe. With his recovery ongoing, the selectors have turned to Bracewell as a like-for-like replacement.
Initially left out of the Test squad, Bracewell has been brought in due to his availability with the T20I side. He will link up with the Test squad for the opening match before departing for England to join Southern Brave in The Hundred.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in Bracewell’s inclusion:
“Glenn’s injury created a gap in the Test squad, and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement,” said Walter. “His experience and skillset will be a great asset and allow us to maintain the balance of the team. Since he’s already here with the T20 side and available for the first Test, it made perfect sense to bring him in. We’ll reassess after the first Test to decide on a potential replacement for the second.”
Bracewell, a spin-bowling all-rounder, last played a Test in March 2023. Injuries and franchise cricket have limited his appearances in the format since then. He has taken 24 wickets in eight Tests at an average of 41.79 and scored 259 runs at 19.92, including one fifty.
The two-match Test series against Zimbabwe begins on July 30, with the second Test scheduled for August 7 — both in Bulawayo.
New Zealand squad for first Test vs Zimbabwe: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz