New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell’s hopes of participating in the upcoming one-day World Cup have been dashed as he sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon, according to an announcement by New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday.

This injury setback adds to the challenges faced by New Zealand, as their captain Kane Williamson is already sidelined with a serious knee injury.

Bracewell, who was playing for the Worcestershire Rapids in England’s T20 Blast, suffered the injury while batting and is expected to be out of action for approximately eight months. He is scheduled to undergo surgery in Britain on Thursday and will then commence a rehabilitation process, as stated by New Zealand Cricket.

Having made his one-day international debut in 2022, Bracewell has shown his batting prowess by accumulating 510 runs at an impressive average of 42.50. He has also proved his worth as a bowler, taking 15 wickets in 19 matches.

One of his standout performances was a remarkable 140 against India in Hyderabad last January, achieved in just 57 balls. This century became the third-fastest by a New Zealand batter in ODI cricket.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed his empathy for Bracewell, stating, “You always feel for the player when injury strikes, especially when it means they will have to miss a world event.” Stead acknowledged Bracewell’s exceptional skills across all aspects of the game and recognized his importance to the team’s plans for the World Cup in India.

New Zealand previously reached the final of the 2019 World Cup, where they faced England in a thrilling match but ultimately came up short.