The injury blow is hurting New Zealand as Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips have been ruled out of the series decider against England

Injuries for New Zealand in 3rd Test (Image: X) New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bat first in the crucial third Test against England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Thursday. However, the visitors suffered a major setback ahead of the winner-takes-all match as two key players were sidelined with injuries.The three-match series is tied at 1-1. England claimed the opening Test at Lord’s by 115 runs before New Zealand responded emphatically with a crushing 253-run victory at The Oval. With valuable points on offer, the ICC World Test Championship will decide the winner of the Trent Bridge series.

Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips sent off

New Zealand were forced into major changes after pace boss Matt Henry and star all-rounder Glenn Phillips were ruled out of the last Test. Henry, who starred in New Zealand’s win at The Oval and recently climbed to the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings, is missing with a calf injury. Phillips, meanwhile, was sidelined with a side strain.

England decided to change

England also shuffled their line-up after a heavy defeat in the second Test, with captain Ben Stokes returning to lead the team after being rested at The Oval. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson also returns, while wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith is back after missing the previous Test following the birth of his child. Spinner Shoaib Bashir has been recalled to bolster 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