Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Black Caps all-rounder Michael Bracewell will miss October's one day cricket World Cup in India, after rupturing his achilles tendon playing in England.
Bracewell will be sidelined for six to eight months after suffering the injury while batting for Worcester in the English T20 domestic competition.
Black Cacps coach Gary Stead said the injury is a major blow to the side.
NZ coach Gary Stead. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event," Stead said.
"Michael's a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the Black Caps since his international debut... and he was shaping as an important player for us at the world cup in India.
Bracewell, who has been away from New Zealand since April after being called up to the IPL, won't be able to fly home for a couple of weeks following surgery which he will have on Thursday.
New Zealand was already set to be without skipper Kane Williamson for the tournament after Williamson suffered a major knee injury playing in the IPL in April.
-RNZ