Calf strain casts doubts over Bracewell’s participation in 1st T20i vs India as Kristian Clarke has been added to the squad.
After suffering what New Zealand Cricket (NZC) described as “a minor left calf strain” during the third and final ODI on Sunday in Indore, Michael Bracewell may be doubtful for New Zealand’s five-match Twenty20 International series against India, which begins on Wednesday in Nagpur.
Bracewell, who helped New Zealand defeat India 2-1 in the ODI series, “will be treated and monitored over the coming days before a decision on his further involvement in the tour is confirmed,” according to a board statement. According to head coach Rob Walter, he flew to Nagpur with the rest of the T20I team.
For the first three games of the series, Northern Districts’ fast-bowling all-rounder Kristian Clarke has been named to the T20I team.
In the ODI series against India, Clarke made his debut for his country. He took seven wickets, including two three-fors, and contributed to New Zealand’s victory with helpful lower-order runs.
“We’ve got a fair bit of player movement at the moment with some guys returning from injury for this series, others joining us immediately from franchise cricket and the rest coming off the India ODI series and Super Smash,” Walter said. “We want to ensure we’ve got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series and it’s a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India.
“He certainly showcased his talent in the ODI series, but what was particularly impressive was his calmness and ability to perform under pressure.”
James Neesham is the batting all-rounder for the touring team, while Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Kyle Jamieson are the front-line fast bowlers.
After winning their debut ODI series in India, New Zealand came for the T20Is.