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Michael Bracewell: The series of injuries to players continues in the T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand has now suffered a major setback ( se tback) mid-tournament. Star all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the entire World Cup due to injury. New Zealand has included 34-year-old all-rounder Cole McConchie in the squad as a traveling reserve. However, they have not yet officially included him as a replacement player. McConchie is a spin all-rounder.
Bracewell was injured while playing against India
Bracewell suffered a calf injury during the third ODI against India last month. He scored an unbeaten 28 in the first innings but did not field afterwards. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the five-match T20I series. According to a release from NZC, Bracewell had recovered from his calf injury. However, he re-injured the muscle during fielding practice, forcing him out of the World Cup.
New Zealand Cricket Board issued a statement regarding Bracewell.
New Zealand Cricket stated that Bracewell had undergone a scan, which confirmed the injury, and that it could take approximately three weeks for him to fully recover. New Zealand Cricket also announced Bracewell’s replacement. Kiwi head coach Rob Walter said, “We are all saddened by Michael’s loss. Missing the World Cup is very difficult, and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him.”
McConchie has experience playing T20 cricket.
McConchie, captain of the Canterbury Kings in New Zealand’s domestic T20 league, last represented New Zealand in April 2024. McConchie has played 133 T20 matches, scoring 1,920 runs with the bat and taking 83 wickets with the ball. He has played 12 T20 Internationals for New Zealand and has also played six ODIs for his country.
New Zealand has won two matches in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The New Zealand cricket team has registered resounding victories in both of its opening matches in the T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by 5 wickets in its first match and the UAE by 10 wickets in its second. The Kiwis will now play against South Africa on February 14th. It will be interesting to see how the Kiwis perform in that match.
