Star player ruled out as New Zealand suffer major setback in T20I Tri-series

Just before their second game of the tri-series in the shortest format, involving both Zimbabwe and South Africa, New Zealand has suffered a major injury setback as their star performer is ruled out of the series with injury and will not take part in the rest of the tournament at the Harare Sports Club.

The batting all-rounder for the Blackcaps, Glenn Phillips, has been withdrawn from the trip after injuring his right groin. The veteran player picked up the injury during the Major League Cricket (MLC) final against MI New York. He was assessed on his arrival, and later, it was decided that he would need several weeks to rehabilitate.

See Also: 'I think we are...'- India's assistant coach lauds pacer ahead of Jasprit Bumrah before ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

The Wellington Firebirds’ Tim Robinson, who joined the squad as the cover of the players in the MLC final and smashed a fine unbeaten knock of 75 runs in 57 balls at a strike rate of 131.58 to earn the player of the match award, will now stay with the squad for the remainder of the T20 tri-series.

Glenn Philips ruled out for New Zealand in T20I tri-series

The Blackcaps head coach, Rob Walter, expressed his disappointment with the all-rounder, who joined Finn Allen as the second player to be ruled out of the series. ‘It’s disappointing to lose someone of Glenn’s calibre. Much like Finn, we feel for Glenn and that he misses out on this series.’ Walter informed the board in a press release.

‘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.’ The former Protea head-coach added. Phillips has smashed 1929 runs in 74 T20I innings for the Kiwis at a strike rate of 140.59, besides collecting six wickets.

The replacement of Phillips for the Test squad will be revealed later. Phillips will return home with Mitch Hay and Jimmy Neesham, who were also called in as the cover for the missing players alongside Robinson. The Kiwis won their opening fixture against South Africa and will be eager to earn the same result against Zimbabwe.