T20 World Cup: Michael Bracewell ruled out of World Cup with calf injury

Black Cap Michael Bracewell. Photo / Photosport

Off-spinning allrounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after reinjuring his left calf.

The news came hours after the Black Caps thrashed UAE to move to the top of group D.

Bracewell rehabilitated the calf tear he sustained during the third ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during warm-ups on Sunday.

Subsequent scans confirmed the injury which is expected to require approximately three weeks recovery before returning to play.

Off-spinning allrounder Cole McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a travelling reserve alongside pace-bowler Ben Sears.

Canterbury Kings captain McConchie last represented New Zealand in April 2024 and joins the squad off the back of a successful domestic T20 campaign as the Kings’ leading wicket taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.

Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said he was saddened for Bracewell.

“We’re all feeling for Michael,” said Walter.

“It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him.

“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback.

“We wish him a smooth recovery.”

Walter said McConchie, who has played 145 T20s (12 of them internationals), would bring valuable experience.

“Cole is a seasoned campaigner.

“He brings a great all-round skillset to the group with a lot of T20 experience.

“It’s great to be able to lean on an experienced head, especially for a World Cup.”

McConchie is set to assemble with the squad on Friday.

The Black Caps will play their third Group D match on Sunday, against South Africa, at 2.30am NZT.