New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell is expected to be out of action for six to eight months after rupturing his right achilles while batting for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast. He is set to undergo surgery in the UK on Thursday before starting a lengthy rehab which means he will also miss the 50-over World Cup in India in October-November.
Bracewell was batting on 11 against Yorkshire on June 9 when he collapsed mid-pitch clutching his right leg and retired hurt in the 225 chase. His injury leaves New Zealand searching for batting options especially considering their captain Kane Williamson, who underwent surgery for a ruptured ACL, is in a race against time to make the World Cup.
"Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event," New Zealand head coach Gary 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."
Bracewell, 32, is equally handy with bat and ball, and has played eight Tests, 19 ODIs and 16 T20Is for New Zealand since his debut last year. He also played in the IPL this season, coming in as replacement for Will Jacks at Royal Challengers Bangalore, picking up six wickets in five matches. One of four from his family to represent New Zealand, including his uncle John and his cousin Doug, Bracewell shot to prominence during New Zealand's tour of Europe in 2022. He did even better on a tour of India, smashing 140 off 77 to pull his team up from 131 for 6. New Zealand appreciated his ability to score quick runs in the middle-order and contribute with some handy offspin by naming him their ODI Player of the Year.
Bracewell has been away from New Zealand since April after being called up to the IPL and won't be able to fly home for a couple of weeks following surgery.
A New Zealand Cricket release also said that the national team will be part of two winter training camps at Lincoln and Tauranga from July 26 to 28 and August 9 to 11.