New Zealand vs Pakistan: Doug Bracewell ruled out of ODI series, replacement announced

Team New Zealand have received a major blow ahead of their upcoming home assignment against Pakistan. One of their key bowlers, Doug Bracewell, has been ruled out of the ODI series following an injury. Bracewell has been a regular face in the Kiwi setup in the recent times. The selectors were quick to name a replacement for the fast bowler.

Batsman George Worker has been roped in as the replacement for Doug Bracewell. Worker had earlier been dropped from the Kiwi side in order to accommodate Martin Guptill in the top order. However, Worker had earlier been an impressive performer. It is this very fact that has fetched him an ODI recall now.

In the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies, Georger Worker has scored a couple of half centuries. Also, he recently hit a brilliant 75 off just 38 balls in a domestic fixture against the Northern Districts.

Hamstring injury keeps Doug Bracewell out

Commenting on Bracewell’s injury, it is a hamstring injury that will him miss out on the international action for at least a couple of weeks. New Zealand team head coach Mike Hesson remarked that Bracewell had worked really hard to earn a place back in the national side. He hopes that the fast bowler will be fit soon and will be available for selection in the near future.

“Doug’s worked really hard to make it back into the side after a pretty serious injury last year and he’s impressed in the opportunities he’s had. We know he’s a hard trainer and back him to rehab well and be available for selection in the not too distant future,” Mike Hesson quoted as per the quotes in Cricbuzz.

New Zealand are set to host Pakistan for limited overs cricket action this season. Last season, Pakistan had played two Tests in New Zealand, and had lost both of them. The visiting Pakistani team recently ensured a thumping win in the warm up fixture. The five-match ODI series will commence on January 6.

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