Bracewell Steps In After Phillips Ruled Out of NZ’s First Test Against Zimbabwe

New Zealand will be without all-rounder Glenn Phillips for the first Test against Zimbabwe, with Michael Bracewell named as his replacement in the 15‑man squad. The match opens on 30 July at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, marking New Zealand’s first Test series in Zimbabwe since 2016.

Injury & Replacement

Phillips withdrew due to a right groin injury sustained while playing for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket (MLC) final in mid‑July. Head coach Rob Walter described the decision to bring in Bracewell as straightforward: “Glenn’s injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like‑for‑like replacement. His experience and skillset will be a great asset and allows us to keep the same balance of the team”.

Bracewell’s Role

Bracewell, 34, re-enters the Test side having last played red-ball for New Zealand in March 2023. He debuted in Tests in 2022 and has accrued 259 runs at 19.92 and 24 wickets at 41.79 across eight matches. 

Despite prior unavailability due to commitments with the Southern Brave in The Hundred, Bracewell was already in Zimbabwe as part of New Zealand’s T20 squad, making the timing ideal for his Test involvement.

Coach Walter also confirmed that after the opening Test, the coaching staff will reassess whether Bracewell remains available for the second Test. If not, another replacement will be named in due course.

Series Overview

• 1st Test: 30 July – 3 August, Bulawayo
   
• 2nd Test: 7–11 August, Bulawayo
  This two-match series follows a tri-nation T20 series involving New Zealand, Zimbabwe and South Africa, which concluded in Harare.
   

What It Means

• Squad continuity: Bracewell’s inclusion maintains the balance of batting and bowling strength in place of Phillips.
   
• All‑rounder depth: His red-ball versatility offers strategic flexibility in the middle order and with off-spin options.
   

Short-term solution: His tenure may be limited to one Test, but his presence underscores NZC’s use of opportunistic squad depth during overlapping formats.