Source: Radio New Zealand
New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell celebrates after taking a Bangladesh wicket, Champions Trophy, 2025. AFP
Black Caps spinner Michael Bracewell won’t play any part of the T20 World Cup after being ruled out with injury.
Bracewell suffered a calf injury during the ODI series against India last month and while he had recovered from that he reinjured it ahead of Sunday’s game against Afghanistan.
Subsequent scans confirmed the injury is expected to require approximately three weeks recovery before returning to play.
Off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a travelling reserve alongside pace-bowler Ben Sears.
Canterbury Kings captain McConchie last represented New Zealand in April 2024 and joins the squad off the back of a successful domestic T20 campaign as the Kings leading wicket taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71.
“It’s really tough to get ruled out of a World Cup and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him (Bracewell),” said Black Caps coach Rob Walter.
“Michael worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance but unfortunately has had this set back.
Cole McConchie of Canterbury celebrates © Photosport Ltd 2026 www.photosport.nz
Walter said McConchie, who has played 145 T20s (12 of them internationals), would bring valuable experience.
“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.”
The Black Caps beat the UAE by 10 wickets on Wednesday and play South Africa on Sunday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
