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Glenn Phillips Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Tour Due to Groin Injury
Glenn Phillips Suffers Another Groin Injury Blow
New Zealand’s cricketing depth has taken a hit as explosive all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been officially ruled out of the ongoing Zimbabwe tour after sustaining a right groin injury. The injury was picked up during the final of Major League Cricket (MLC) while playing for Washington Freedom.
Despite traveling with the team to Zimbabwe, a thorough medical assessment upon arrival confirmed that the injury would require multiple weeks of rehabilitation, forcing Phillips out of action for the entire T20I Tri-Series involving South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe.
Tim Robinson Retained as Cover for the Series
In Phillips’ absence, Tim Robinson, who had initially joined the squad as a temporary cover, will now remain with the New Zealand setup for the remainder of the T20I series. Robinson’s inclusion ensures New Zealand maintains adequate squad depth amid multiple injury setbacks.
Impact of Phillips’ Injury on Team Balance
Glenn Phillips, known for his aggressive batting and part-time spin, has been a vital asset in the Blackcaps’ white-ball setup. His injury has once again disrupted New Zealand’s team combination, as he was expected to play a key role in the middle order during the tri-nation series.
In the 2024 MLC season, Phillips played 10 matches for Washington Freedom, amassing 186 runs at an impressive average of 62 and a strike rate of 139.84. His consistent form made him a frontrunner for selection in both the T20I and upcoming Test squads.
IPL and Injury Woes Continue for Phillips
This isn’t the first time in 2024 that Phillips has been sidelined due to a groin injury. Earlier this year, during the Indian Premier League (IPL), he suffered a similar setback while playing as a substitute for the Gujarat Titans. The recurring nature of the injury may raise concerns regarding his long-term fitness management.
Phillips is now set to return to New Zealand alongside Mitch Hay and Jimmy Neesham, both of whom were traveling reserves for this series. His absence leaves a void not just in the T20 setup but also ahead of the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, for which he was named in the squad.
For a complete list of New Zealand’s squad and recent fixtures, visit our Blackcaps squad update page.
Finn Allen Also Ruled Out of the Tour
The New Zealand team has faced a double setback, with Finn Allen also unavailable for the Zimbabwe tour. Allen, who was initially named in the squad, suffered a foot injury while representing San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket tournament.
Head coach Rob Walter, commenting on the injury setbacks, said:
“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. We know he was eager to get out on the field for the Blackcaps. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to do that for this series. We know he’ll work hard to get himself back onto the park, and I look forward to when that happens.”
Replacement Yet to Be Named for the Test Series
As of now, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has not announced a replacement for Glenn Phillips in the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe. With both experienced and younger players already in the squad, selectors might opt for internal reshuffling or call in a fresh face from domestic cricket.
To know more about how MLC is influencing international cricket and affecting players’ schedules and fitness, visit Major League Cricket Official Site.
