New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe and the subsequent two-Test series due to a groin injury sustained during the Major League Cricket (MLC) final on July 13 while playing for Washington Freedom.
After being assessed upon arrival in Zimbabwe, medical staff determined that Phillips would need “a number of weeks” to recover, according to a statement by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). As a result, Tim Robinson, who was initially added to the T20I squad as cover for players involved in the MLC knockouts, will stay with the squad for the remainder of the tri-series.
A replacement for Phillips in the Test squad will be announced later.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone of Glenn’s calibre,” said New Zealand head coach Rob Walter. “Much like Finn [Allen], we really feel for Glenn that he misses out on this series. We know he was eager to get out on the field for the Blackcaps. Unfortunately, that won’t happen this time, but we’re confident he’ll work hard and return stronger.”
Phillips will return to New Zealand along with fellow allrounder Jimmy Neesham and wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay, who were also in the squad as temporary cover.
New Zealand are already dealing with injuries to Ben Sears (side strain) and Finn Allen (foot injury). However, their Test squad will be boosted by the return of left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who has recovered from a serious knee injury and recently proved his fitness playing for Central Districts in the Global Super League in Guyana.
New Zealand began their tri-series campaign with a 21-run win over South Africa in Harare.
