New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell ruled out of 2023 ODI World Cup

In a massive setback to New Zealand, Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of action for 6-8 months.

The preparation of the 2023 ODI World Cup has started. Every team is preparing for the upcoming marquee event to take place in India in October. However, amid all the preparation, New Zealand suffered yet another big blow. Earlier, the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson, who suffered a knee injury during the 2023 Indian Premier League, was ruled out. And now, star all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the upcoming mega event due to injury.

The hard-hitting spin all-rounder sustained an injury to his right leg on June 9, while playing for Worcestershire Rapids in the ongoing Vitality Blast T20 in England. As per the report, the Kiwi all-rounder will undergo a surgery on Thursday in the UK. Notably, he is expected to be out of the action for at least 5-6 months for his rehab as reported.

Michael Bracewell will be out of the action for at least six months and will miss 2023 ODI World Cup

The 2023 ODI World Cup in India is scheduled to kick off on October 5. Thus, Michael Bracewell will not make it to the tournament. Michel Bracewell's injury came only about two months after Williamson was ruled out from the mega event. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed this news on Wednesday. He admitted that the injury to the all-rounder is a big setback for the team.

He said, "Michael's a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the BlackCaps 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."

Michael Bracewell was also part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recently concluded IPL edition and did deliver some impactful performances for the team. He was the most impactful player against India last time when New Zealand toured here for three ODIs. He smashed 140 runs off 77 in an big chase against India when his team was struggling at 131 for 6. So far, he has played 19 ODIs and taken 15 wickets at an economy rate of 5.15 and scored 510 runs at an average and strike rate of 42.5 and 118.6, respectively.