NZ Spring A Surprise; Injury-Prone Player Named Skipper For Pakistan T20Is
Bracewell has been out from cricket for a year(X)
In a surprising turn of events, Michael Bracewell, who hasn't played cricket since March 2023 has been appointed as the captain of the New Zealand T20 team for their upcoming tour of Pakistan.
Bracewell appointed new NZ skipper
With many key players tied up with commitments in the Indian Premier League, the New Zealand Cricket Board has entrusted the leadership role to Bracewell.
The five-match T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan will be split between two venues. The first three games will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the final two matches at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
In June 2023, the 33-year-old all-rounder, Bracewell, faced injury woes when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon while playing for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast. Additionally, he suffered a broken finger, further prolonging his absence from cricket.
Kane Williamson, the permanent Kiwi T20 skipper, is occupied with his IPL team, Gujarat Titans. While he hasn't played for GT yet, he's expected to join soon. As a result, Michael Bracewell steps in to captain New Zealand in the T20 series against Pakistan.
Bracewell expressed his joy at returning to cricket after a long break and embracing the opportunity to captain the side.
"I'm very excited, it's a huge honor just to be picked again for New Zealand and then on top of that selected as captain. I wasn't expecting that."-Bracewell expressed his happiness.
Key Kiwi players such as Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, and Kane Williamson will be absent from the Pakistan series due to their IPL commitments.
New Zealand Test team captain Tim Southee is also rested for this series.
NZ squad for Pakistan T20Is
Michael Bracewell (captain), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert and Ish Sodhi
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