New Zealand's all-rounder Michael Bracewell faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with a projected recovery period of six to eight months, after suffering a right Achilles rupture while batting for the Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast.
The ANZ Men's ODI Player of the Year will undergo surgery in the UK this Thursday and will subsequently commence an extensive rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, this means Bracewell will miss the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India, scheduled for October-November, according to NZC reports.
Expressing his disappointment, Coach Gary Stead acknowledged the setback for Bracewell and the team, highlighting the player's contributions and versatility.
"Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event," Stead commented.
"Michael's a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the Black Caps since his international debut. We've seen his exceptional skills in all three facets of the game, and he was shaping as an important player for us at the World Cup in India."
Stead further mentioned Bracewell's pragmatic approach, recognizing the inevitability of injuries in sports and emphasizing the player's focus on rehabilitation.
While Bracewell had been away from New Zealand since April due to his IPL commitments, he won't be able to return home immediately after the surgery, requiring a couple of weeks before the journey.
As the Black Caps prepare for future competitions, they have scheduled simultaneous winter training camps in Lincoln and Tauranga, taking place from July 26-28 and August 9-11.