Black Caps all-rounder Michael Bracewell is set to be sidelined for six to eight months after rupturing his right achilles while batting for the Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast.
The reigning Men’s ODI Player of the Year will undergo surgery in the UK this Thursday before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation which will rule him out of the ICC ODI World Cup in India this October-November.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said it was a big blow for Bracewell and the team.
“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.
“We’ve seen his 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 obviously pretty disappointed but also pragmatic in acknowledging that injuries are a part of sport and he’s now turning his focus to his rehabilitation.”
It's the latest blow to the Black Caps' World Cup campaign with captain and leading batsman Kane Williamson also ruled out of the tournament in April after an awkward fall in the IPL left him with a ruptured ACL that also required surgery.
Bracewell, who has been away since April after being called up to the IPL, won’t be able to fly home for a couple of weeks post surgery.
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