ICC World Cup 2023: New Zealand Suffer A Huge Setback As Michael Bracewell Ruled Out Of WC Due To An Injury

Last Update on: June 14th, 2023 at 10:03 am

New Zealand’s dashing all-rounder Michael Bracewell was seen batting for Worcestershire Rapids. Michael Bracewell suffered a ruptured Achilles injury and is expected to go undergo surgery in the UK on Thursday (15th June)

Michael Bracewell’s absence will hurt New Zealand a lot. The cricketer not only has hitting prowess but can play the waiting game as well which is priceless in modern cricket.

New Zealand are yet to name the new skipper as Kane Williamson is also out of the marquee clash. The finalists of ICC World Cup 2019 will have a strenuous task to make a case for themselves in the absence of two star players.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Tim Southee and Tom Latham Front-Runners To Captain New Zealand In World Cup In The Absence Of Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson & Michael Bracewell are too big losses

New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead was dejected as earlier Kane Williamson was ruled out of ODI WC 2023 after a knee injury he sustained during IPL 2023 while playing for Gujarat Titans (GT). Gary Stead said that Michael Bracewell is a huge loss to the team.

“Kane Williamson is fighting to do everything he can to be there, but still [the] likelihood is him not being there … then you put Braces on top of it as well, then it is two big losses,” said Gary Stead.

“Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event,” he added.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: “Too Early In Case There Is That Chance Still” – Gary Stead On Chances Of Kane Williamson For World Cup

Michael Bracewell has had a fantastic 15 months for Black Caps – Gary Stead

Gary Stead stated that Michael Bracewell has been a vital cog for the team for the last 15 months in all the 3 facets of the game. Gary Stead pointed out that Michael Bracewell was shaping up as an important player for ODI WC in India but said that injuries are part of the sport.

“Michael’s a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the Black Caps 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,” said Michael Bracewell.

“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.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Despite Injury, Kane Williamson To Travel To ICC Cricket World Cup 2023