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New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Cole McConchie named as his replacement.
The all-rounder picked up an injury while carrying out support staff duties during New Zealand’s fixture against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.
“Bracewell rehabilitated the calf tear he sustained during the 3rd ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during warm-ups on Sunday,” the New Zealand cricket board said in a statement.
“Subsequent scans confirmed the injury which is expected to require approximately three weeks of recovery before returning to play,” it added.
According to the board, his like-for-like replacement, Cole McConchie, alongside travelling reserve pacer Ben Sears, will join the squad in India.
Following the injury, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over Bracewell’s injury and wished him a speedy recovery.
“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,” he added.
“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this set back. “We wish him a smooth recovery.”
New Zealand, who are strong contenders for the World Cup, began their campaign in emphatic fashion with a win over Afghanistan.
They then followed the victory with a rout of the UAE in a commanding batting display, led by openers Tim Siefert and Fin Allen, who put on a record stand in Black Caps’ 10-wicket victory.
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.Cole McConchie
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