New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell suffered a ruptured achilles during the ongoing T20 Blast in England and is now set to be sidelined for six to eight months. Bracewell will undergo surgery in the UK on Thursday (June 15) and then kick-start a lengthy rehabilitation that will keep the New Zealand's ODI player of the year out of the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India later this year.
INJURY BLOW
Michael Bracewell to miss ODI World Cup due to ruptured achilles
Bracewell was exceptional batting in the lower order during the January tour of India. © Getty
This is a second injury blow for the Black Caps, who are also likely to be without talismanic batter Kane Williamson at the World Cup with an injury. "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.
Bracewell made his ODI debut in March 22 and has featured in 19 ODIs with 510 runs at an average of 42.50 while predominantly batting at No.6 and 7. One of his most notable outings came against India