Nottingham: New Zealand have suffered a major setback ahead of the series-deciding Test against England, with both Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips ruled out through injury at Trent Bridge on Thursday.
Henry, who was man of the match for his 11-wicket haul in New Zealand’s 253-run win at the Oval last week, has been sidelined with a leg injury.
Meanwhile, Phillips, who scored his maiden Test century in the first innings of the match, was ruled out after sustaining side pressure.
Subsequent scans revealed Henry had suffered a low-grade calf strain, with New Zealand Cricket estimating a recovery period of two to four weeks.
Phillips will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his injury and return date.
The double-header comes at a crucial stage in the series, with New Zealand taking momentum into the decider following their dominant win in London.
England have also reshuffled the squad, announcing four changes to the team that lost the second Test. Captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have returned to the XI that missed out on the previous match.
Before the latest injury concerns, New Zealand had already planned two changes to their line-up.
Off-spinner Mitchell Santner is expected to make his first appearance in the series, while Blair Tickner replaces the rested Kyle Jamieson as part of his recovery from a back strain injury.
The visitors must now make additional changes, with Zach Foulkes and Ben Sears among the leading candidates to fill the vacancies.
Batter Will Young could also be included in the squad if New Zealand opt for an additional specialist batsman with three pacers and Santner at number 8.