Doug Bracewell handed 2-month absence with knee injury

26-year-old New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been ruled out of action for the next two months following what has been reported as a serious knee injury during a domestic Twenty20 match. Playing for the Central District Stags, Bracewell suffered a tear anterior cruciate ligament. The grade of the tear is yet to be revealed by the medical personnel of the New Zealand cricket board.

The injury means that the 26-year-old will not be available for selection for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh. However, what is worse is the fact that Bracewell could very well also miss out on the three-match ODI series against Australia that will be played shortly after the series against Bangladesh.

While the injury is certainly a setback for the likes of Gavin Larsen and others on the New Zealand selection committee, the fact that players are being churned out in the domestic circuit is certainly something that will add to the optimism of the board.

The immediate replacements would certainly include the fast-bowling all-rounders such as James Neesham and Corey Anderson. Colin de Grandhomme has also impressed in recent times at the Test match level with both bat and ball, something that has given the selectors as well as the coach Mike Hesson a good headache to ponder over.

Playing in home conditions will come as a much-needed boost for the likes of the New Zealand cricket team as they will be looking to make amends following some mixed performances in recent times. These performances include a series win against Pakistan and a loss in the subsequent ODI series against Australia.

However, in that particular baptism of fire, a few impressive talents were unearthed in the form of Todd Astle, Jeet Raval, and Lockie Ferguson. With the domestic circuit providing as many talents such as these, there is certainly no shortage of reinforcements.