ZIM vs NZ 2025: Michael Bracewell to play Tests over The Hundred, added to squad

Michael Bracewell, the star New Zealand all-rounder, was initially supposed to play for Southern Braves at The Hundred Men's 2025, and as a result, was ignored from the Test squad for the two-match series against Zimbabwe. However, an unavailable Glenn Phillips has opened the door for Bracewell to link up with the BlackCaps squad for the first Test, which begins July 30 at the Queens Sports Club ground in Bulawayo.

Notably, the dynamic Phillips was ruled out of the Test squad owing to a groin injury that he underwent during the recently concluded Major League Cricket 2025. As a result, a place in the Test squad was vacant, which has now allowed New Zealand Cricket selectors to add Bracewell to the squad for the opening five-day fixture. Post the first match, Bracewell will travel to the United Kingdom to play in The Hundred. 

“Glenn's injury provided a gap in the Test squad, and Michael is the closest like-for-like replacement. His experience and skill set will be a great asset and allows us to keep the same balance of the team,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Currently, no replacement has been named in the Tom Latham-led side as a cover to Phillips for the second Test, and will be made only when the time is nearer, as confirmed by Walter.

New Zealand updated squad for first Test vs Zimbabwe, 2025

Tom Latham (captain), Mitchell Santner, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Matthew Fisher

ZIM vs NZ 2025: Schedule, Venues, Dates, and More