New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell likely to be ruled out of World Cup after rupturing his achilles
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell is expected to be out of action for six to eight months after suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon while batting for the Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast.
The injury occurred during a crucial moment in his career, as it will force him to miss the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled to take place in India from October to November.
In order to recover from the injury, Bracewell is scheduled to undergo surgery in the United Kingdom on Thursday. Following it, he will embark on an extensive rehabilitation process to regain full fitness. The recovery timeline means he will not be able to participate in the highly anticipated 50-over World Cup.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his sympathy for Bracewell and the team, emphasising the impact of the injury on both an individual and collective level. Stead acknowledged Bracewell’s outstanding performance over the past 15 months, during which he showcased exceptional skills in all aspects of the game. Bracewell had become a vital player for the team and was expected to play a crucial role in the World Cup in India.
“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 BLACKCAPS 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.”
Despite the disappointment, Bracewell showed resilience and pragmatism in dealing with the injury. He understood that injuries are an unfortunate part of sports and has shifted his focus towards his rehabilitation. Bracewell, who has been away from New Zealand since April due to his participation in the IPL 2023, will not be able to return home for a few weeks following his surgery.