Michael Bracewell has been called up to New Zealand’s Test squad as a replacement for the injured Glenn Phillips ahead of the opening Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Bracewell, who was initially unavailable for the series due to his commitments with The Hundred, was already in Zimbabwe as part of New Zealand’s T20I squad for the ongoing tri-series. However, with a window opening in his schedule, head coach Rob Walter confirmed that the decision to draft him in was straightforward.
“Glenn’s injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement,” Walter said. “His experience and skillset will be a great asset and allows us to keep the same balance of the team.”
Phillips was ruled out of the series after sustaining a groin injury during the Major League Cricket (MLC) final on July 13, where he was representing Washington Freedom.
Bracewell will return to the UK to rejoin his Hundred side, Southern Brave, after the conclusion of the first Test. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stated that a decision on his replacement for the second Test will be made in due course.
The two-match series, set to begin later this week, marks New Zealand’s first Test tour of Zimbabwe since 2016.