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New Zealand's T20 WC Blow: Bracewell Out, McConchie Steps In

New Zealand has suffered a significant setback as all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup after re-injuring his left calf. The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved Cole McConchie as his replacement in the squad. Bracewell had initially injured the calf last month and suffered the setback during warm-ups, requiring about three weeks of recovery. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed sympathy for Bracewell while welcoming the experienced McConchie into the squad.

Key Points: Michael Bracewell Ruled Out of T20 World Cup, McConchie Replaces

  • Michael Bracewell re-injures calf
  • Cole McConchie approved as replacement
  • Injury occurred during warm-ups
  • NZ started campaign with two wins
2 min read

T20 WC: Michael Bracewell ruled out due to calf injury, Cole McConchie named replacement

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell is out of the T20 World Cup with a calf injury. Cole McConchie named as his replacement in the squad.

"We're all feeling for Michael. It's really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup - Rob Walter"

New Delhi, February 10

New Zealand suffers a significant blow as all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 T20 World Cup after re-injuring his left calf, as per the NZC website.

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 have approved Cole McConchie as a travelling reserve in Michael Bracewell's stead in the New Zealand squad. All-rounder Bracewell picked up an injury while carrying out support duties during the match against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

New Zealand began their T20 World Cup campaign with a five-wicket win over Afghanistan. The Kiwis followed it up with another impressive win over the UAE by 10 wickets.

Bracewell rehabilitated the calf tear he sustained during the 3rd ODI against India last month but reinjured the muscle during warm-ups on Sunday. Subsequent scans confirmed the injury, which is expected to require approximately three weeks of recovery before returning to play.

Canterbury Kings captain McConchie last represented New Zealand in April 2024 and joins the squad off the back of a successful domestic T20 campaign, leading the Kings with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.

"We're all feeling for Michael. It's really tough to get ruled out of a World Cu,p and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him. Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this setback. We wish him a smooth recovery," New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said.

"Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round skillset to the group along with a lot of T20 experience. It's great to be able to lean on an experienced head, especially for a World Cup," he added.

New Zealand now heads to Ahmedabad to play their third game against South Africa on February 14.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Feel so bad for him. Re-injuring the same muscle is so frustrating. Hope he recovers well. McConchie is a decent replacement though, good domestic record. The Kiwis are a strong unit, they'll manage.
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Aman W
Injuries are part of the sport, but timing is everything. Missing a World Cup is heartbreaking. Wishing him a speedy recovery. On another note, our Indian team is looking solid! 💪
P
Priyanka N
Respectfully, I think the NZC medical team needs to be questioned here. Why was he rushed back if the calf wasn't 100%? This is a major tournament, not a bilateral series. Player welfare should come first.
D
David E
Big blow for the Black Caps. Bracewell is a clutch player. But that's why you have a squad. McConchie is a smart cricketer. The game against SA in Ahmedabad just got more interesting!
K
Karthik V
Sad news. He got injured during the India series last month, right? Our pitches can be tough. Anyway, focus is on our Men in Blue! Hope we get to see a India vs NZ final. 🤞

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