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New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell is pushing to return to competitive action ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after missing the recent five-match T20I series against India due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old’s recovery timeline places him in contention for New Zealand’s warm-up fixture against the United States in Mumbai, scheduled three days before the Black Caps open their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan in Chennai.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter confirmed that Bracewell’s rehabilitation has progressed as expected, leaving the team cautiously optimistic about his availability. Walter said,

“I mean his progression has been really good and he's made good progress. Certainly everything seems to be on track for the warm-up game against USA.”

Bracewell’s return would strengthen New Zealand’s middle-order balance and spin-bowling options at a time when the squad has struggled to field a full-strength XI due to injuries and player availability during their India tour.

New Zealand’s five-match T20I series in India saw repeated changes to the playing XI, with injuries preventing consistent combinations. Although the team moved closer to full strength late in the series, illness ruled out Jimmy Neesham, while the management opted against rushing fast bowler Lockie Ferguson back into action earlier than planned.

Despite Neesham’s absence from international cricket since November 2025, Walter pointed to the all-rounder’s recent franchise exposure as a positive sign. Walter said,

“Jimmy, who was a bit ill at the back end of this competition, was obviously very much involved in the Bangladesh Premier League all the way through to winning a final. So our guys have been very active from a T20 point of view… from a preparation point of view, I feel like we can't really feel to be unready.”

New Zealand have also drawn encouragement from Finn Allen’s form. Fresh from a prolific Big Bash League season, Allen carried his aggressive batting into the India series, providing evidence that overseas form can translate across conditions.

Ferguson’s return in the final T20I against India further eased concerns, with the fast bowler delivering at full pace after recovering from his own calf injury. With Adam Milne ruled out of the World Cup, Ferguson is expected to shoulder added responsibility in the pace attack.Walter said,

“He has worked incredibly hard to get himself ready for the World Cup and ready to play the game. And he said he was going to ease into it, but he was bowling 145.”

New Zealand will play most of their group-stage matches in Chennai, with daytime starts adding another variable. Although Chepauk’s outfield has been relaid recently, the pitch conditions remain largely untested since IPL 2025. Mitchell Santner said adaptability would be key as the tournament progresses.

With Bracewell nearing full fitness, New Zealand’s management will closely monitor the warm-up fixtures as they finalise combinations for the World Cup opener.