ENG vs NZ 2026: Why are Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips not playing the Third Test at Trent Bridge

New Zealand have been dealt a last-minute blow ahead of their third Test against England at Trent Bridge, with fast-bowler Matt Henry and all-rounder Glenn Phillips set to miss the match. Henry, who was Player of the Match at the Oval in the second Test, is out with a calf injury, while Phillips is out with a side strain. 

Henry picked up career-best match figures of 11 for 109, with figures of 5 for 80 in the first innings and 6 for 29 in the second. He played a key role in the Black Caps' 253-run win, helping them level the series 1-1. He picked up his injury during the game, with subsequent scans showing a minor tear to the muscle. He is set to be out for two to four weeks.

"Matt Henry will miss the third test against England at Trent Bridge due to a calf injury. Henry felt pain during the second Test at the Oval and subsequent scans on his left calf revealed a low-grade muscle strain. Initial assessment suggests a recovery time of two to four weeks," a post on X (formerly Twitter) by New Zealand Cricket read.

Phillips also had a brilliant outing, scoring his maiden Test century in the first innings. He became the third New Zealand cricketer to score centuries in all three formats of the game, alongside Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill. He is out with a side strain, with a recovery timeline not being provided yet.

"Glenn Phillips will miss the third test against England at Trent Bridge due to a side strain injury. Phillips felt side pain during the second Test at The Oval. Further assessment will determine Phillips' return-to-play timeline," a post on X (formerly Twitter) by New Zealand Cricket read.

In Phillips' absence, all-rounder Mitchell Santner returns to the playing XI, and Blair Tickner makes his return over Matt Henry. Kyle Jamieson has also been rested by the Kiwis, with Ben Sears taking his place. Alongside New Zealand, England also comes in with a host of changes, with the returns of skipper Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, who missed the second Test after a nightclub altercation. Jamie Smith returns after missing the clash at the Oval, while Shoaib Bashir also returns. 

ENG vs NZ Third Test Playing XIs: 

England: Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (capt), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir

New Zealand: Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will O'Rourke, Ben Sears