- Dec 2, 2024
- May 29, 2023
In what could be a big blow to New Zealand cricket ahead of the ODI World Cup in India, Michael Bracewell is ruled out of the tournament due to a ruptured Achilles. The tournament will be hosted by India in October. Bracewell picked up the injury while playing for the Worcestershire Rapids in the T20 blast. Bracewell won the Men’s ODI Player of the Year award in 2022.
Now, his rehabilitation will take place due to which he will not take part in the 50-over World Cup. He will be out of action for six to eight months and will undertake surgery in the United Kingdom (UK) this Thursday according to nzc.nz. “Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event,” NZ Head coach Gary Stead said. He further said Bracewell was a key part of New Zealand’s plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
“Michael’s naturally pretty disappointed, but also pragmatic in acknowledging that injuries are a part of the sport and he’s now turning his focus to his rehabilitation,” Stead added. When the last world cup was played in 2019, New Zealand made it to the finals. They lost to England at Lords on boundary count in a thrilling final. New Zealand will now hold two camps, which will happen simultaneously at Lincoln and will take place between July 26 to 28. Tauranga will also host a camp which will take place between August 9 to 11.
This comes as a double blow as Kane Williamson is still recovering from a knee injury that he sustained in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) edition. It remains to be seen whether the NZ skipper will make the cut to the World Cup squad in time. Bracewell has shown his prowess in ODIs. He scored a belligerent 140 that almost helped New Zealand win an ODI in Hyderabad when they played against India. He also had a stint in IPL 2023 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Nani_Deadpool/status/1668814492288049152?s=20
— ক্ষতিহীন saccharine¹⁴ (@rohanleads) June 14, 2023
Boult,southee bhi injured ho jaye 🙏🙏
— Rishith (@LucarioTelugu) June 14, 2023
Phirbhi hara denge apne ko 😂😂😂
— Lucky (@LuckySi12239468) June 14, 2023
Phir bhi semifinal pohchenge yeh log
— Harbans (@kacachichi) June 14, 2023
https://twitter.com/issuewithtrust/status/1668804348455931906?s=20
— Krish 🔫 (@StoicCarnivore) June 14, 2023
Ok then, good signs for India, nz not making it to semis & me realizing india's curse in icc tournaments💀
— Genda45 (@Vishwas_18_17) June 14, 2023
Still they can defeat India in knockout match
— J K SINGH (@JKS212509) June 14, 2023
https://twitter.com/Rajmeet45619594/status/1668813460761878528?s=20
Big blow as he could run away with momentum down the order along with the tail.
— Jayesh (@Jayesh_45) June 14, 2023