Michael Bracewell, a New Zealand all-rounder, ruptured his achilles during the current T20 Blast in England and will now be out for six to eight months. On Thursday, June 15, Bracewell will have surgery in the UK, starting a protracted recovery process that will prohibit the New Zealander who won the ODI player of the year award from competing in the forthcoming 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
This is a second injury setback for the Black Caps, who are also liable to miss the World Cup without their star batter, Kane Williamson. Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, stated, “Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes, especially when it means they will miss a world event.”
Bracewell made his ODI debut on March 22 and has appeared in 19 ODIs, scoring 510 runs at an average of 42.50 while batting predominately at No. 6 and No. 7. In January of this year, against India in Hyderabad, he scored 140 off 78 balls, including 12 fours and 10 sixes, in pursuit of the host team’s 349 for eight.
Bracewell’s outstanding effort helped New Zealand run India close even if they were unable to win. His previous ODI century, 127* off 82, came last year in a nail-biting one-wicket victory against Ireland in Dublin. Bracewell has taken 15 wickets in the format while batting.
“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.
After the operation, Bracewell’s flight from the UK will take up to two weeks.
“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.”
