New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and South Africa after picking up a right groin injury. In his absence, Tim Robinson, who was initially brought in as temporary cover for players involved in the MLC final, will now stay with the squad for the rest of the series.
Glenn Phillips Ruled Out with Groin Injury
Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of New Zealand’s T20I Tri-Series in Zimbabwe after picking up a right groin injury during the Major League Cricket final between MI New York and Washington Freedom. After arriving in Zimbabwe, team medical staff assessed his condition and confirmed that he’ll need several weeks to fully recover, which means he won’t be able to take part in the tour.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed the news on Friday, saying in an official statement, “BLACKCAPS batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been withdrawn from the tour of Zimbabwe after injuring his right groin.”
“Wellington Firebirds batter Tim Robinson, who joined the squad as cover for players involved in the MLC final, will stay with the squad for the remainder of the T20 Tri-Series.”
In Phillips’ absence, Tim Robinson, who had initially joined the squad as temporary cover for players involved in the MLC final, will now stay with the team for the remainder of the series.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter described Glenn Phillips’ injury as a big setback for the team. He said Phillips is already focused on his recovery and the team is looking forward to having him back soon.
“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 Walter.
“We know he was eager to get out on the field for the BLACKCAPS and 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.”
Finn Allen Also Misses Out Due to Injury
New Zealand will also be without Finn Allen, who was originally named in the squad but had to pull out after injuring his foot while playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket (MLC).
Glenn Phillips, who was set to be part of New Zealand’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, will now return home after being ruled out with a groin injury. A replacement for him in the Test squad will be named later.
Glenn Phillips will be flying back along with Mitchell Hay and James Neesham, who were included in the tour as travelling reserves.
Before the injury, Phillips played 10 matches for Washington Freedom in the MLC, scoring 186 runs at an average of 62 and a strike rate of 139.84. Earlier this year, he also missed most of the IPL season due to a similar groin injury while playing as a substitute for the Gujarat Titans.
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