Michael Bracewell Doubtful for India T20Is After Calf Strain

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell is doubtful for the India T20Is after suffering a minor left calf strain during the final ODI in Indore.

Michael Bracewell faces a fitness test ahead of India T20Is, which begin on Wednesday in Nagpur. Bracewell suffered a minor left calf strain during the third ODI in Indore on Sunday. New Zealand Cricket confirmed the injury and said his condition will be assessed over the next few days. A final call on his participation will follow medical review.

Bracewell travelled to Nagpur with the rest of the T20I squad after leading New Zealand to a 2–1 ODI series victory. Head coach Rob Walter confirmed he remains under close monitoring.

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“We’ve got a fair bit of player movement at the moment with some guys returning from injury for this series, others joining us immediately from franchise cricket and the rest coming off the India ODI series and Super Smash. We want to ensure we’ve got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series and it’s a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India,” Walter said.

“He certainly showcased his talent in the ODI series, but what was particularly impressive was his calmness and ability to perform under pressure,” he added.

Meanwhile, fast-bowling allrounder Kristian Clarke has been added to the squad for the first three T20Is. Clarke impressed on ODI debut against India, taking 7 wickets, including two three-wicket hauls, and contributing valuable lower-order runs.

New Zealand squad for T20I series against India

Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke (only for the first three games)