New Zealand sustained a major blow ahead of their crucial T20I fixture with South Africa on Saturday, the 14th. The New Zealand cricket board has confirmed that their key player, Michael Bracewell, has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to a fresh injury in the left calf.
Before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, when New Zealand was touring India for a limited-over series, the off-spinning all-rounder picked up a calf injury in his left leg. During the 3rd ODI against India last month, the all-rounder was injured. Then, he went through a rehabilitation process to play in the T20 World Cup. But, unfortunately, he injured the same spot again.
New Zealand star Michael Bracewell ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand cricket informed, during a warm-up session, Michael Bracewell reinjured himself and forced him to rule out of the tournament as well. After the necessary scans, it is expected to see the spin-bowling all-rounder back in action again after a few weeks. The injury of the 34-year-old came as a major setback for the Blackcaps.
“Michael Bracewell rehabilitated the calf tear he sustained during the 3rd ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during warm-ups on Sunday. Subsequent scans confirmed the injury which is expected to require approximately three weeks recovery before returning to play”, NZ Cricket informed.
In an official press release, Rob Walter, the head coach of the New Zealand cricket team, expressed that the update has hurt him in a significant way. He wished the experienced cricketer a smooth recovery.
“We’re all feeling for Michael Bracewell. It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup, and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him. Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback. We wish him a smooth recovery,” Rob Walter said in a brief.
Cole McConchie will travel to India
Canterbury Kings captain Cole McConchie will join the national camp to replace the injured Michael Bracewell. McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a travelling reserve alongside pace-bowler Ben Sears. For Canterbury Kings, McConchie endured a successful domestic T20 as the leading wicket-taker for the team. He took 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71 for the Kings.
McConchie, also a spin bowling all-rounder, represented the national side in 6 ODIs and 12 T20Is. In those 12 T20Is for New Zealand, he claimed only 7 wickets but had an impressive economy rate of 7.29. The head coach of New Zealand believes that the inclusion of McConchie will bring some extra credibility into the team.
Head coach on the inclusion of McConchie
“Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round skill set to the group along with a lot of T20 experience. It’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head, especially for a World Cup,” the head coach said.
The New Zealand cricket, through their official website, informed that McConchie is set to assemble with the squad on Friday, the 13th.
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