AUCKLAND: All-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to injury, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Tuesday.
According to NZC, the 34-year-old re-injured his left calf during warm-ups on Sunday. He initially suffered the injury during New Zealand’s third ODI against India last month but recovered.
The cricket board further shared that subsequent scans confirmed that Bracewell would need around three weeks to recover from a persistent calf injury.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment at Michael Bracewell’s dismissal and wished him a speedy recovery.
“We all feel for Michael,” Walter said. “Being out of the World Cup is very difficult and I know how much playing for New Zealand means to him.
“Michael has worked incredibly hard to give himself a chance, but has unfortunately suffered this setback.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
As a result, all-rounder Cole Mackenzie will join New Zealand’s traveling reserve in India, along with fast bowler Ben Sears.
McConchie’s last international appearance for New Zealand came in April 2024 and he returned to the side on the back of a successful domestic T20 campaign for the Canterbury Kings, as he led the way with 14 scalps at an economy rate of 7.71.
Overall, McConchie has played 145 T20s in his professional career, including 12 internationals, and has been backed by coach Walter to bring valuable experience to New Zealand.
“Cole is a seasoned campaigner. He brings a great all-round talent to the team, along with a lot of T20 experience,” Walter said.
“It’s great to lean on an experienced head, especially for the World Cup.”
New Zealand are currently leading the Group D standings of the 2026 T20 World Cup thanks to wins over Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
They will face South Africa in the final on February 14 in Ahmedabad.
New Zealand Team: Mitchell Santner (catch), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi.
Reserves: Cole McConchie and Ben Sears.