Top News

New Zealand may be forced into a last-minute change ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, as star all-rounder Michael Bracewell is battling an injury scare. Bracewell picked up a calf injury during the third ODI against India in Indore, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming T20 series.

Although New Zealand Cricket has described the injury as minor, his participation in the T20Is is still uncertain.

Michael Bracewell recently led New Zealand in the ODI series against India and scripted history by guiding the team to their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil. However, his involvement in the T20 format will depend entirely on how quickly he recovers from the calf issue.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter confirmed that Bracewell will continue to stay with the squad and remain under close medical supervision. A final call on his availability will be taken match by match.

With Bracewell’s fitness in question, New Zealand have brought in Christian Clarke as cover. Clarke has been included in the squad for the first three matches of the T20I series, indicating that Bracewell may miss at least the opening half of the contest.

Clarke recently made his international debut in the ODI series against India and impressed immediately. He picked up seven wickets across the series and played a crucial role in New Zealand’s historic triumph, earning the selectors’ confidence.

Bracewell’s return for the final two T20Is will depend on how well he responds to treatment over the coming days.

The New Zealand squad for the five-match T20 series is as follows:

• Mitchell Santner (Captain)

• Michael Bracewell

• Mark Chapman

• Devon Conway

• Jacob Duffy

• Jack Faulks

• Matt Henry

• Kyle Jamieson

• Bevon Jacobs

• Daryl Mitchell

• Jimmy Neesham

• Glenn Phillips

• Rachin Ravindra

• Tim Robinson

• Ish Sodhi

• Christian Clarke (first 3 matches only)

If Michael Bracewell fails to recover in time, it would be a significant setback for New Zealand, given his all-round value and recent leadership success. At the same time, Christian Clarke’s inclusion adds fresh energy and pace options, which could trouble India in the shorter format.