New Zealand suffered a major blow ahead of their crucial T20 match with South Africa on Saturday, the 14th. The New Zealand Cricket Board has confirmed that their key player Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a fresh left calf injury.
Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, when New Zealand were touring India for a limited-overs series, the off-spinning all-rounder suffered a calf injury on his left leg. This all-rounder was injured during the third ODI against India last month. Then, he went through the rehabilitation process to play in the T20 World Cup. But, unfortunately, he got injured again at the same place.
New Zealand star Michael Bracewell ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand Cricket reported that Michael Bracewell was injured again during the practice session and had to be ruled out of the tournament. Following the necessary scans, the spin-bowling all-rounder is expected to be back in action after a few weeks. The 34-year-old’s injury was a major blow for the Blackcaps.
NZ Cricket reported, “Michael Bracewell had recovered from a calf injury sustained during the third ODI against India last month, but re-injured the muscle during the warm-up on Sunday. A subsequent scan confirmed the injury, which will require approximately three weeks of recovery before returning to the game.”
In an official press release, New Zealand cricket team head coach Rob Walter said that he was deeply affected by this update. He wished the veteran cricketer a speedy recovery.
Rob Walter summarized, “We’re all feeling for Michael Bracewell. It’s really hard to miss the World Cup, and I know how much it means to him to play for New Zealand. Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself his chance, but unfortunately he’s had this blow. We wish him well.”
Cole McConchie will visit India
Canterbury Kings captain Cole McConchie will join the national camp as a replacement for the injured Michael Bracewell. McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a traveling reserve along with fast bowler Ben Sears. For the Canterbury Kings, McConchie had a successful domestic T20 performance as the leading wicket-taker for the team. He took 14 wickets for the Kings at an economy rate of 7.71.
McConchie, who is also a spin bowling all-rounder, represented the national team in 6 ODIs and 12 T20Is. In those 12 T20Is for New Zealand, he took only 7 wickets, but his economy rate was an impressive 7.29. The New Zealand head coach believes the inclusion of McConchie will bring some added credibility to the team.
Head coach on the addition of McConchie
“Cole is an experienced campaigner. He brings a wealth of T20 experience as well as excellent all-round skills to the group. It’s great to rely on an experienced player, especially for the World Cup,” the head coach said.
New Zealand Cricket revealed via its official website that McConchie is set to gather with the squad on Friday the 13th.
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