New Zealand's all-rounder Michael Bracewell likely to miss ODI World Cup due to Achilles injury

Star New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell recently sustained an injury to his right achilles that is expected to put him out of action for six to eight months. He sustained the injury while batting for Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast against Yorkshire in Leeds on June 9.

The 32-year-old will be undergoing surgery in the UK on Thursday, June 15, before going into rehabilitation for quite a few months, which will see him 'most likely miss' the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in October-November in India.

Furthermore, it is also worth noting that Bracewell has been away from home ever since being called up for the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, where he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, it looks like he will be staying away from home for a few more weeks as he will be in rehab in the UK.

This is the second blow that New Zealand have received in recent months, as veteran batter Kane Williamson sustained an ACL tear in the very first match of the IPL 2023.

You always feel for the player when injury strikes: Gary Stead

Following the massive blow to New Zealand leading into the World Cup, head coach Gary Stead came forward to opine what a major setback it will be to the Kiwis, and with the World Cup approaching, it could pose problems for the side in the coming months.

"Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes, especially when it means they will have to miss a world event. Michael's a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the Black Caps since his international debut," Gary Stead was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket. 

"We’ve seen his exceptional skills in all three facets of the game, and he was shaping up 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," he added.