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The absence of some players in the New Zealand’s side amid the ongoing T20I tri-series involving South Africa and Zimbabwe might impact the side’s performance. Apart from the T20I tri-series, they also have to play a Test series against Zimbabwe. These players are not present in the side on account of the injuries from which they are recovering. The Kiwis are missing the services of Ben Sears due to side injury, and Finn Allen who was initially named in the squad, but later ruled out after suffering a foot injury whilst playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC).
A recent player to join the list of injured is batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips. He has been ruled out of the ongoing Zimbabwe tour due to right groin injury. Phillips picked up the injury ahead of the tour, during the final of Major League Cricket. According to the statement by New Zealand Cricket, when he was assessed upon arrival in Zimbabwe, it was determined that he would require "a number of weeks" to recover.
Tim Robinson, who was a late addition to the T20I squad for the tri-series as cover for players involved in the MLC knockouts, will remain with the side for the rest of the tri-series. Philips' replacement in the Test squad will be named in due course of time.
Glenn Phillips played for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket 2025
"It's obviously disappointing to lose someone of Glenn's calibre. Much like Finn, we really feel for Glenn and that he misses out on this series," said New Zealand's new head coach, Rob Walter in his statement. Glenn Phillips represented the Washington Freedom team in MLC 2025, he played 10 matches for the side, including the final which they lost to MI New York, and scored 186 runs at an average of 62 and strike rate of 139.84.
Phillips is set to fly back to New Zealand with Mitch Hay and Jimmy Neesham, two other travelling reserves, who were part of New Zealand’s Test squad for their upcoming tests against Zimbabwe.
