Bracewell replaces injured Phillips for first Test in Zimbabwe

Michael Bracewell has been drafted into the New Zealand squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. He replaces the injured Glenn Phillips, who was earlier ruled out of the tour due to a right groin injury he picked up during the final of Major League Cricket.

Bracewell was initially unavailable for the two-Test series due to his commitments with Southern Brave in The Hundred but is currently in Zimbabwe as part of the T20I squad. New Zealand's head coach Rob Walter said he was a natural fit to fill the gap left by Phillips.

"Glenn's injury provided a gap in the Test squad and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement," Walter said. "Michael's experience and skillset will be a great asset and allows us to keep the same balance of the team. Given he's here with the T20 squad and his availability aligned for the first Test, we're using the opportunity to include him in the squad.

"We'll get through the first Test and then we'll make a decision whether we'll replace him for the second Test."

Bracewell will rejoin Southern Brave after the first Test to take part in The Hundred.