Injury blow hurts New Zealand as Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips miss series against England Cricket News:

Injury blow for New Zealand for 3rd Test (Image: X)

New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bat first in the decisive third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Thursday. However, the visitors were handed a significant setback ahead of the winner-takes-all contest, with two key players ruled out through injury.The three-match series is well poised at 1-1. England claimed the opening Test at Lord’s by 115 runs before New Zealand responded strongly with a crushing 253-run victory at The Oval. With valuable ICC World Test Championship points on offer, the encounter at Trent Bridge will decide the winner of the series.

Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips rejected

New Zealand were forced into major changes after pace spearhead Matt Henry and star all-rounder Glenn Phillips were ruled out of the final Test. Henry, who starred in New Zealand’s victory at The Oval and recently rose to No. Phillips, meanwhile, was sidelined with a side strain.

England changes for decision

England also shuffled their lineup after the heavy loss in the second Test, with captain Ben Stokes returning to lead the side after being rested at The Oval. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also returns, while wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith returns after missing the previous Test following the birth of her son. Spinner Shoaib Bashir has been recalled to strengthen England’s spin options.Despite being declared fit, Ollie Robinson was not included in the playing XI.

Playing XI:

New Zealand. Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Ben Sears, William O’RourkeEngland: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir