Big blow for New Zealand as they have lost their mainstay due to injuries and fitness concerns. Ahead of the third match of the three-match Test series against England starting today at Trent Bridge, the Blackcaps shared several updates about their playing XI for the game.
This is going to be the deciding match of the ongoing Test series as both the teams have won one each in the last two matches. As reported by New Zealand Cricket, fast bowler Matt Henry and in-form batsman Glenn Phillips will miss the third Test due to injury.
Many injury concerns for New Zealand: Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson ruled out of third Test
“Glenn Phillips will miss the third Test against England at Trent Bridge with a side strain injury. Phillips experienced side pain during the second Test at The Oval. Further assessment will determine Phillips’ return-to-play timeline,” the Blackcaps said about the batsman.
As for Matt Henry, the cricket board says, “Matt Henry will miss the third Test against England at Trent Bridge with a calf injury. Henry felt pain during the second Test at the Oval, and a subsequent scan of his left calf revealed a low-grade muscle strain. Initial assessment suggests recovery will take 2-4 weeks.”
Team update before the toss at Trent Bridge today.#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/plNaLL012f
— BlackCaps (@BLACKCAPS) June 25, 2026
Another fast bowler, Kyle Jamieson, is absent in the match. He has been rested for the match.
In place of Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Mitch Santner and Blair Tickner have joined the squad for the series decider.
Injuries to Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry could prove costly for the team, as both of them were key architects behind the victory in the second Test at the Oval. After falling behind in the opening match of the series, New Zealand made a strong comeback in the second match and won the remaining matches to reach the virtual final.
In the second match, seamer Matt Henry was named player of the player for his excellent bowling in both innings. He took 6 wickets in his second innings along with 5 wickets in his first innings.
With the bat, Glenn Phillips, mostly known for his exceptional fielding exploits, took the team to a strong position by scoring a century in the second match.
New Zealand vs England playing XI for the third test:
Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke.
More to follow…
