Doug Bracewell replaces injured Mitchell McClenaghan

Doug Bracewell has been called up to replace injured pacer Mitchell McClenaghan for the final two One-Day Internationals against Pakistan.

McClenaghan suffered a fracture to his left eye socket in the hosts’ 70-run win in the first ODI after an Anwar Ali bouncer sneaked through the helmet grill and struck him above his left eye. The incident happened in the final over of the first innings, forcing him to retire hurt for a valuable cameo of 31 off just 18 balls.

McClenaghan could not take part in the second innings of the first ODI and, will be undergoing minor cosmetic surgery on Friday. The injury is not expected to sideline the left arm fast bowlers for very long but return date is not yet unconfirmed ahead of the Chappell-Hadlee series opener against Australia in Auckland next Wednesday.

“Our main focus is making sure Mitch is okay and we’ll continue to monitor him over the coming days,” New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson said. “Doug has been in superb form this summer and we’re confident he can come in and do a good job for us. He’s an integral member of our wider bowling group.”

Bracewell featured in the recently-concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he took four wickets from three games at 28.25. He was, however, left out of the initial squad to face Pakistan.

In spite of his absence, the Kiwis comfortably best the visitors and won the first game by 70 runs. The second ODI will be played at the McLean Park in Napier on Thursday.