Picture Credit: Twitter
Michael Bracewell has been a key player for New Zealand in the 50-over format and has scored 510 runs at an average of 42.50. The 32-year-old has also taken 15 wickets in 19 matches for the Kiwis, including a 57-ball 140 against India earlier this year. In an unfortunate turn, Bracewell has been ruled out of the 50-over World Cup squad with an Achilles tendon injury.
Bracewell sustained the injury while playing in the T20 Blast match against Worcestershire for Yorkshire as he retired on 11*. The RCB player will undergo surgery in the UK and will be out for six to eight months, which rules him out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, scheduled for October and November.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead also opened up on Bracewell’s injury. He said that the injury is a bitter blow but wished Bracewell a successful recovery. “Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event,” Stead added.
He admitted that Bracewell was going to be important for them at the World Cup as he said, “We’ve seen his exceptional skills in all three facets of the game, and he was shaping as an important player for us at the World Cup in India.”
Bracewell now joins the New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who ruptured his ACL during the IPL 2023 opener between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. He then missed out on the IPL and his participation in the World Cup is not yet confirmed.
