Key New Zealand all-rounder ruled out of ODI World Cup 2023 due to injury

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is slated to be held in India in October-November.

By Salman Anjum - 14 Jun, 2023

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell is set to be out of competitive action for six to eight months after rupturing his right Achilles.

Bracewell sustained the injury while batting for Worcestershire against Yorkshire in a T20 game last Friday (June 9).

The 32-year-old will undergo surgery in UK this Thursday (June 15) before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation, which will rule him out of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India this October-November.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead admitted that Bracewell’s injury is a massive blow to 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 in a statement issued by NZC.

“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,” he added.

Bracewell is the second Kiwi player to suffer an injury that will take quite a bit of time to heal. During the IPL 2023 opener, Kane Williamson picked up an ACL injury while playing for Gujarat Titans. He is also likely to remain out of action for six months but the New Zealand white-ball skipper has not been ruled out of the World Cup yet.

By Salman Anjum - 14 Jun, 2023

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