New Zealand captain for the three-match ODI series against India, Michael Bracewell did not bowl in the deciding IND vs NZ 3rd ODI today (January 18). Bracewell, who is crucial in the Kiwi bowling attack, went off the field during India’s chase.
Later, former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull confirmed that the all-rounder has picked up a minor calf injury and is unlikely to return for the remainder of the contest. This is precisely why Michael Bracewell did not bowl, even though the series is on the line with the scores tied at 1-1.
His absence with the ball will be a big miss as in the previous match, Michael Bracewell produced a stellar bowling performance. He leaked just 34 runs in 10 overs while taking a wicket to restrict India to 284/7 in 50 overs which the Kiwis chased down comfortably in the end.
Now with Bracewell not available, Daryl Mitchell took over the captaincy reins for the remainder of the match. Bracewell had also contributed during NZ’s batting with a quick cameo of 18-ball 28 to help the Blackcaps post a towering total of 337/8 in 50 overs.
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Speaking about the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI, the Men in Blue were dealt early blows after losing their top batters cheaply. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill departed for 11 and 23 respectively. Next, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul also walked back in quick succession, although Virat Kohli managed to hold his fort.
The absence of Michael Bracewell is something Kohli and the Indian side will look to take advantage of, as it leaves the Kiwis without one proper bowler capable of sending down all 10 overs. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell will now need to bowl out those 10 overs between them.
At the time of writing this report, the India scoreboard reads 145/4 in 25.4 overs with Virat Kohli and Nitish Kumar Reddy currently batting in the middle.
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