In a big blow to New Zealand ahead of the ODI World Cup set to be played in India later this year, spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell is set to be sidelined for the next six to eighth months after sustaining a right achilles injury while batting for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast. It is being learned that Bracewell will undergo surgery in the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday before starting a rehabilitation programme. The development also means Bracewell will be missing the marquee ICC event in October-November.
Notably, Bracewell was batting on 11 in the T20 Blast game against Yorkshire when he fell in the middle of the pitch, seemingly in pain as he held his right leg. He was forced to leave the field in the team's 225 chase after which he has been dignosed with this acholles 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.
"Michael's a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the BlackCaps 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.
"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."
The 32-year-old has proved his utility both with the bat and ball on previous occasions. He has represented the Black Caps in eight Tests, 19 ODIs and 16 T20Is since making his debut in 2022. Bracewell also played in IPL 2023 and had flown in as a replacement for Will Jacks at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), picking up six wickets in five matches.
This is not the first injury blow to the Kiwis for the World Cup as regular captain Kane Williamson too is all but out of the marquee event. However, given th experience that he brings to the table, coach Stead reckons that he would bring Williamson as a mentor if he fails to regain fitness in time for the competition.