New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell suffered a ruptured achilles during the ongoing T20 Blast in England and is now set to be sidelined for six to eight months. Bracewell will undergo surgery in the UK on Thursday (June 15) and then kick-start a lengthy rehabilitation that will keep the New Zealand's ODI player of the year out of the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
INJURY BLOW
Michael Bracewell to miss ODI World Cup due to ruptured achilles
Bracewell was exceptional batting in the lower order during the January tour of India. © Getty
This is a second injury blow for the Black Caps, who are also likely to be without talismanic batter Kane Williamson at the World Cup with an injury. "Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.
Bracewell made his ODI debut in March 22 and has featured in 19 ODIs with 510 runs at an average of 42.50 while predominantly batting at No.6 and 7. One of his most notable outings came against India in Hyderabad in January this year when he smashed a 78-ball 140 - including 12 fours and 10 sixes - in chase of the home team's 349/8.
New Zealand didn't secure the win but managed to run India close thanks to Bracewell's exceptional innings. His other ODI century - 127* off 82 - came against Ireland in the intense one-wicket win in Dublin last year. With the ball, Bracewell has 15 wickets in the format.
"Michael's a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for New Zealand since his international debut. 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.
It will take Bracewell upto two weeks after the surgery to fly back home from the UK. "Michael's naturally pretty disappointed, but also pragmatic in acknowledging that injuries are a part of sport and he's now turning his focus to his rehabilitation."
© Cricbuzz
| Share | Tweet |