New Zealand have suffered yet another huge injury blow ahead of this year’s ICC World Cup. The Black Caps are already looking destined to miss the services of their talismanic player Kane Williamson. And the star batsman has now been joined on the sidelines by talented allrounder Michael Bracewell.
The allrounder will miss the marquee event after rupturing his right Achilles while playing in the ongoing T20 Blast. Playing for Worcestershire, Bracewell retired hurt on 11* during the defeat against Yorkshire. Following medical examinations, it was confirmed that he would require surgery, scheduled for this Thursday. It will take him at least six to eight weeks to complete his rehabilitation programme which has effectively ruled him out of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Michael Bracewell ruled out of ICC Men’s World Cup 2023:
With Michael Bracewell out of the World Cup, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his sympathy for the allrounder. He acknowledged the setback and wished him a successful recovery. Stead highlighted Bracewell’s contributions to the team since his international debut and recognized his importance as an all-round player in the World Cup squad.
“Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event,” Stead said.
“Michael’s a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the Black Caps 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,” he added.
Bracewell will return to New Zealand after medical clearance following the surgery. Talking about Williamson, he has been sidelined since tearing his ACL during the IPL in April. While it is still not clear whether Williamson will play in the World Cup or not, there are slim chances of him recovering just in time for the tournament.