Black Caps all-rounder Michael Bracewell is set to be sidelined for six to eight months after rupturing his right achilles while batting for the Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The reigning ANZ Men's ODI Player of the Year will undergo surgery in the UK this Thursday before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation which will rule him out of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India this October-November, reports NZC.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Coach Gary Stead said it was a big blow for Bracewell and the team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event," Stead said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Michael's a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the Black Caps since his international debut.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We've seen his exceptional skills in all three facets of the game and he was shaping as an important player for us at the world cup in India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Michael's naturally pretty disappointed, but also pragmatic in acknowledging that injuries are a part of sport and he's now turning his focus to his rehabilitation."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bracewell, who has been away from New Zealand since April after being called up to the IPL, won't be able to fly home for a couple of weeks following surgery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n