Glenn Phillips’ latest globetrotting stint has come at a cost. The Black Caps all-rounder pulled up with a groin strain during the Major League Cricket final for Washington Freedom on 13 July and, after checks in Harare, has been told he needs “a number of weeks” on the sidelines.
That ruling ends any hope of Phillips featuring in the ongoing T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, or the two-Test campaign that follows. New Zealand Cricket confirmed the news on Friday and, for now, are keeping their options open regarding a Test replacement.
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone of Glenn’s calibre,” head coach Rob Walter admitted. “Much like Finn [Allen], we really feel for Glenn and that he misses out on this series.”
The groin problem puts Phillips on a lengthening injury list. Fast bowler Ben Sears (side) and opener Allen (foot) were already absent, while Jimmy Neesham and young keeper-batter Mitch Hay, both drafted in as emergency cover, will also head home alongside Phillips.
“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,” Walter added.
Tim Robinson, originally flown in as T20 cover for players tied up in MLC finals week, stays with the squad for the remainder of the tri-series. Whether he is promoted later in the trip remains to be seen.
There is at least some good news. Left-arm finger-spinner Ajaz Patel, fresh from proving both knee and rhythm in Guyana’s Global Super League, is set to rejoin the Test group. Conditions in Bulawayo are traditionally friendly to spin, so Patel’s return could soften the blow of losing an explosive middle-order option.
The Black Caps opened the tri-series with a measured 21-run win over South Africa, helped by a steady deck at Harare Sports Club. Without Phillips’ power, the batting order may look light, but the camp insist the depth is there. A few tidy cameos from Robinson or Neesham’s stand-in might yet keep the tour on track.
Short format or long, New Zealand’s travelling circus rolls on. Phillips now heads home for rehab; everyone else scrambles to plug the gap.
