IND vs NZ: Big blow for New Zealand! Michael Bracewell doubtful for T20I series against India

Michael Bracewell sustained a minor left calf strain while fielding in the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI.

New Zealand’s star all-rounder Michael Bracewell executed a wonderful job as the stand-in captain in the recently concluded ODI series against India. Bracewell was appointed as the stand-in skipper in Mitchell Santner’s absence, as the latter was ruled out of the campaign due to a groin injury.

New Zealand commenced the ODI series with a defeat against India in the opening game by four wickets. However, they bounced back in the next two games, clinching victories by seven wickets and 41 runs respectively.

Daryl Mitchell played a pivotal role in the Kiwis’ victory by scoring centuries in the last two matches, after hitting a fifty in the opening game in a losing cause. He was also awarded Player of the Series for his wonderful batting show.

Under Bracewell’s leadership, New Zealand scripted history by stealing their first-ever ODI series victory in India. This defeat was a major blow for the home cricket fans, as the Black Caps once again ended India’s dominance on home soil.

Michael Bracewell is in doubt for the T20I series

Notably, Bracewell faced issues while fielding in the second innings of the 3rd ODI at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. He left the field midway and handed over the responsibility of the captaincy to Daryl Mitchell. In his absence, the Black Caps were one bowler down in the second innings.

Now, the Kiwi all-rounder is doubtful for the upcoming T20I series against India. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter informed in an official statement that Bracewell has suffered a minor left-calf strain and will be monitored over the next few days.

Moreover, the Kiwis have also inducted Kristian Clarke as a cover for the first three T20I games. With seven wickets, Clarke finished as the leading wicket-taker in the IND vs NZ ODI series, including two three-wicket hauls.

“Bracewell will be treated and monitored over the coming days before a decision on his further involvement in the tour is confirmed,” said Walter in a release issued by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

“We want to ensure we’ve got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series and it’s a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India,” Walter said about Clarke’s addition.

“He certainly showcased his talent in the ODI series, but what was particularly impressive was his calmness and ability to perform under pressure,” he added.

New Zealand’s updated squad for the T20I series against India:

Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke (only for the first three games).

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