cricbuzz
Michael Bracewell will undergo surgery in the UK on June 15, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process that will keep him out of the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India. It’s indeed unfortunate that Bracewell has suffered a ruptured Achilles and will be sidelined for six to eight months.
This injury comes as a second blow to the New Zealand cricket team, as they are also likely to be without their talismanic batter Kane Williamson at the World Cup due to an injury. The head coach of the New Zealand team, Gary Stead, expressed his sympathy for Bracewell and stated that it’s always unfortunate when a player has to miss a world event due to injury.
Michael Bracewell made his ODI debut on March 22 and has played 19 ODIs for New Zealand. He has scored 510 runs at an average of 42.50, mainly batting at positions 6 and 7. One of his notable performances came against India in Hyderabad in January, where he scored a brilliant 140 off 78 balls, including 12 fours and 10 sixes, in a high-scoring chase. He also scored an unbeaten century, 127* off 82 balls, against Ireland in a thrilling one-wicket victory in Dublin last year. In addition to his batting, Bracewell has taken 15 wickets in ODIs.
Bracewell’s surgery will be followed by a two-week recovery period before he can fly back home to New Zealand from the UK. While he is naturally disappointed, he is also pragmatic and understands that injuries are a part of sports. He is now focusing on his rehabilitation process to recover from the injury.
