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Bracewell's Race Against Time: NZ Coach Updates on Key All-Rounder's Fitness

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has provided a positive update on all-rounder Michael Bracewell's recovery from a calf injury. Walter stated Bracewell is making "good progress" and could be fit for the team's World Cup warm-up match against the USA. The Black Caps enter the tournament with a balanced squad but some concerns over recent form against top teams. Their campaign begins on February 8 against Afghanistan in Chennai.

Key Points: NZ Coach Walter Gives Michael Bracewell Injury Update for T20 WC

  • Michael Bracewell recovering from calf injury
  • Could be fit for T20 World Cup warm-up
  • NZ coach Walter provides positive update
  • NZ seeks consistency ahead of tournament
2 min read

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter provide crucial injury update of Michael Bracewell

New Zealand coach Rob Walter says Michael Bracewell is making "good progress" from a calf injury and could be fit for the T20 World Cup warm-up game.

"I mean, his progression has been really good, and he's made good progress. - Rob Walter"

Mumbai, February 4

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has provided a crucial injury update on their veteran all-rounder Michael Bracewell, who missed the five-match away T20I series against India due to a calf injury.

Bracewell suffered a calf injury during the third and final ODI against India, which the visitors won and clinched the three-match series 2-1, before losing the T20I series 4-1 against the Men in Blue.

New Zealand's head coach said Bracewell is making "good progress" and could recover in time for the start of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.

If Bracewell recovers on time, the all-rounder will have a chance to prove his match fitness in New Zealand's warm-up fixture against the USA in Mumbai on February 5, ahead of their tournament opener against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

"I mean, his progression has been really good, and he's made good progress," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. "Certainly everything seems to be on track for the warm-up game against the USA."

New Zealand head into the T20 World Cup as a balanced side, steady rather than spectacular, but with enough flashes of brilliance to keep them firmly in the contenders' bracket.

The Black Caps have won 16 of their 31 T20Is since the last World Cup, drawing confidence from dominant series victories at home against Pakistan and West Indies, and an emphatic unbeaten run in the tri-nation series in Zimbabwe.

However, recent setbacks against Australia, England, and most notably India have exposed a few cracks, raising questions about consistency against top-tier opposition as the tournament draws closer.

New Zealand squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026:

Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Injuries are so unfortunate, especially before a big tournament. Wishing him a speedy recovery. But honestly, even with a full-strength NZ, our Indian batting lineup looks too strong on home conditions. Can't wait for the World Cup to start!
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Aman W
NZ is always a dark horse. They play smart cricket. Bracewell's return will boost their middle order. But the article rightly points out their recent struggles against top teams. India's recent 4-1 win shows where the real momentum is.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I appreciate the update. The warm-up game in Mumbai will be a good test. Hope the stadium is packed! The atmosphere for World Cup games here is going to be electric.
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Vikram M
Respect to NZ, they are a tough team. But let's be real, the trophy is coming home this time. Our team is balanced, in form, and playing at home. The recent series was just a preview. #BleedBlue
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Karthik V
A small critique of the article: it spends a lot on NZ's squad and form, but the real story for Indian readers is how *we* match up against them. Bracewell's injury update is useful, but the analysis feels a bit one-sided. Still, good info.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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