New Zealand’s preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup have suffered another setback as all-rounder Michael Bracewell is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months after suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Bracewell was hurt while playing for the Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast.
The New Zealand Cricket Board confirmed the 32-year-old will undergo surgery in the UK on Thursday (June 15) and will take more than six months to recover. Bracewell’s injury came at a critical moment for both him and the Black Caps, since he was a key player for his country in the forthcoming World Cup.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said the spin bowling all-rounder has been a great asset to the team since his debut and he was expected to play a crucial role in the 50-over tournament.
“Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event. Michael’s a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the BLACKCAPS since his international debut,” Stead 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. 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,” he added.
Kiwis will also miss the services of Kane Williamson
The 2019 World Cup runners-up have already been dealt a big blow, as their regular skipper Kane Williamson will not be available for the major multi-national competition, which will be held in India from October to November. The ace batter, who sustained an injury while playing for Gujarat Titans during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
However, with Trent Boult returning to the New Zealand squad on a casual contract, the Kiwis will be hoping for a great outing in the World Cup. The combination of Boult, Adam Milne and Tim Southee will be a lethal pace attack for them.
Here’s how fans reacted as Michael Bracewell was ruled out of the World CUP 2023:
Phirbhi hara denge humko ??
— Arnav (@LuckySi12239468) June 14, 2023
Don't worry india ko phr bhi hara de gaye woh log
— adam (@issuewithtrust) June 14, 2023
Honestly most people lost interest in New Zealand cricket since Kane's injury. Now I don't think they will be able to make it to the semi-finals in Kane's absence. So it means that these are the 4 teams that will qualify for the semis. India, Australia, England, South Africa.
— Shivam Maurya (@curiousmaurya) June 14, 2023
Fir bhi india ko to hara hi denge, world cup jite na jite
— Frustrated indian (@GodiAnti) June 14, 2023
Will still beat India if they reach the knockout stage.
— The Phantom (@BhootWhoWalks) June 14, 2023
He would have been brilliant in Indian conditions
— Priyansh Jyotishi (@PriyanshJyotis1) June 14, 2023
Karma for eliminating india again and again
— anti_bhakt_ (@andh_bhakt__) June 14, 2023
They will still find a way to qualify for knockouts.
— I am vak (@am_vak) June 14, 2023
Phir bhi nz knockouts kehle gi . They mark chapman , tom latham , nesham , finn alen , glenn philips , daryl mitchell , boult , southie , satnar , milne , lockie . Really solid team .
— Flame boy ? (@Rajmeet45619594) June 14, 2023
