New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe due to a right groin injury sustained during the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 final.Blackcaps right-hand batter Tim Robinson, who was already among the players who had joined the Washington Freedom squad as a cover for the MLC final, will continue to stay on with the side for the remainder of the T20I tri-series.Phillips was assessed upon arrival in Zimbabwe and medical staff recommended several weeks of rehabilitation. He was also part of the Test squad, with his replacement to be announced later.Several New Zealand players, including Michael Bracewell, Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Rachin Ravindra, were participating in the MLC Final, necessitating temporary replacements for the tri-series.
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What aspect of Phillips’ game will New Zealand miss the most?
Black Caps head coach Rob Walters expressed his disappointment about Phillips’ absence: “It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone of Glenn’s calibre. Much like Finn (Allen), 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 Black Caps, 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.“Phillips will return to New Zealand alongside Jimmy Neesham and Mitch Hay, who were present in Zimbabwe as cover for the MLC Final participants.In their opening match of the tournament, New Zealand secured a 21-run victory against South Africa, with Tim Robinson scoring an unbeaten 75 while Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry claimed three wickets each.
