The New Zealand team has selected Michael Bracewell for the first Test match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. He takes Glenn Phillips’ place, who was previously unable to go on the trip because of a right groin injury he sustained in the Major League Cricket final.
Due to his obligations with the Southern Brave in The Hundred, Bracewell was initially unable to play in the two-Test series; however, he is currently in Zimbabwe as a member of the T20I team.
Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand, stated that he was a perfect fit to cover Phillips’ absence.
“Glenn’s injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement,” Walter stated. “We can maintain the same team balance thanks to Michael’s experience and skill level, which will be a huge advantage. We’re taking advantage of the fact that he’s here with the T20 team and that his availability coincides with the first Test.
“We’ll get through the first Test and then we’ll make a decision whether we’ll replace him for the second Test.”
Following the first Test, Bracewell will return to the Southern Brave to play in The Hundred.
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