New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell is set to miss the upcoming ICC men’s World Cup 2023 after rupturing his right Achilles tendon.
Michael Bracewell Set to Miss World Cup 2023
Bracewell suffered the injury playing for Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast and will undergo surgery in Britain on Thursday. Bracewell was batting on 11 against Yorkshire on June 9 when he collapsed mid-pitch clutching his right leg and retired hurt in the 225 chase.
The 32-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder is expected to need six to eight months to recover.
“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 New Zealand since his international debut. We’ve seen his exceptional skills in all three facets of the game and he was shaping up as an important player for us at the world cup in India.
It will take Bracewell up to two weeks after the surgery to fly back home from the UK. “Michael’s naturally pretty disappointed, but also pragmatic in acknowledging that injuries are a part of the sport and he’s now turning his focus to his rehabilitation.”
This is a second injury blow for the Black Caps, who are also likely to be without talismanic batter Kane Williamson at the World Cup with an injury.
