New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat in the series deciding Test against England at Trent Bridge.
New Zealand suffered two major injury blows before the match. Fast bowler Matt Henry and all rounder Glenn Phillips were both ruled out of the playing XI.
Henry starred in the second Test at The Oval. He took 11 wickets and won the Player of the Match award in New Zealand’s 253 run victory. But he picked up a calf injury during that game. A scan later confirmed a low grade muscle strain. New Zealand Cricket said he is expected to recover in two to four weeks.
Phillips also got injured during the Oval Test. He has a side strain and will need more checks before the team decides when he can return. He had scored his first Test hundred in New Zealand’s first innings at The Oval.
The injuries are a big setback for New Zealand. The visitors had gone into the final Test with strong confidence after their dominant win in the second match.
England had already made four changes to their side after the defeat at The Oval. Captain Ben Stokes returned to the team along with fast bowler Gus Atkinson. Both players missed the second Test after the nightclub incident that followed England’s win at Lord’s.
New Zealand had earlier planned two changes. Mitchell Santner was set to play his first match of the series. Blair Tickner was also expected to replace Kyle Jamieson, who is being rested as he recovers from a back stress injury.
The injuries to Henry and Phillips forced New Zealand to make more changes. Zak Foulkes and Ben Sears were among the pace bowling options. Will Young was also in contention if New Zealand decided to strengthen the batting and play only three fast bowlers with Santner at number eight.
