While playing in the current T20 Blast in England, New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell ruptured his achilles, forcing him to miss six to eight months of action.
Bracewell, a New Zealander who won the ODI player of the year award, will undergo surgery in the UK on June 15 to begin a lengthy recovery process.
It will prevent him from competing in the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
The Black Caps are now dealing with two injuries, and talismanic batter Kane Williamson will probably miss the World Cup due to one of them.
During the January tour of India, Bracewell batted brilliantly in the lower order
First of all, whenever a player sustains an injury and must miss a world championship, head coach Gary Stead of New Zealand said, “You always feel for the player.”
Bracewell made his ODI debut on March 22 and has since played in 19 ODIs, scoring 510 runs at an average of 42.50, primarily from the No. 1 batting position. 6 and 7.
One of his most memorable performances came in January against India in Hyderabad, when he slammed a 78-ball 140, including 12 fours and 10 sixes, to chase down the home team’s 349/8.
Bracewell’s outstanding innings helped New Zealand keep India in check even though they were unable to win.
His second ODI century, 127* off 82, came against Ireland in a thrilling one-wicket victory in Dublin the year before. In this format, bowling for Bracewell, he has 15 wickets.
Since making his international debut, Michael has had a fantastic 15 months for New Zealand.
He is a great team player. At the world cup in India, he was emerging as a key player for us thanks to his exceptional skills in all three areas of the game.
After the surgery, Bracewell will need up to two weeks to travel from the UK to the United States by plane.
“Michael is undoubtedly very disappointed, but he is also realistic in his acceptance that accidents happen in sports, and he is now concentrating on his recovery.”
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