Michael Bracewell has been named captain of a second-string New Zealand squad for their upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting April 18. This bilateral series marks Bracewell’s return to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff.

Michael Bracewell back after injury

The 33-year-old allrounder, known for his spin bowling and power-hitting, has been absent from international action since March 2023. A ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for Worcestershire in the English T20 Blast was followed by a broken finger. Despite these setbacks, Bracewell has battled back and earned?? a recall.

Bracewell to leading a young squad

Blackcaps selector Sam Wells praised Bracewell’s resilience, highlighting his leadership experience with Wellington and New Zealand A sides. This experience will be crucial as he leads a squad missing several key players currently competing in the IPL 2024.

“Michael has faced a long period on the sideline and it’s exciting to see him back playing cricket again,” said Wells in his official statement.

“The fact he’s back playing at a high level after an Achilles rupture is testament to his hard work and application.

“He’s a well-respected leader and has captaincy experience for Wellington along with New Zealand A and New Zealand XI teams, which we believe holds him in good stead to lead the group in Pakistan,” added Wells.

Also READ: Pakistan women’s all-rounder Aliya Riaz gets engaged to Waqar Younis’ younger brother

Tim Robinson, the second-highest run scorer in the r?ecent Super Smash domestic tournament, has received his maiden call-up. Notably, he amassed 298 runs? in just six innings, showcasing his explosive potential.

Wells believes Robinson’s natural ability and power hitting, coupled with his fielding prowess, make him well-suited for the T20 format.

“Tim is still very early in his domestic career but his natural ability and explosive power was on full display this season. Combined with his outstanding fielding, we believe he has a skill set that’s well-suited to the format,” the Blackcaps selector added further.

New Zealand’s T20I squad for Pakistan tour:

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

Also READ: Fans go crazy as Babar Azam reclaims Pakista?n captaincy ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

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Riding on Kane Williamson‘s splendid century, New Zealand fought back on Day 4 of the ongoing second and final Test after having the follow-on enforced by England. The hosts finished all out for 483 and set a target of 258 runs for the visitors to win the co?ntest at Basin Reserve in Wellington.

The Black Caps resumed their second innings on Monday, trailing by 24 runs at 202/3. Williamson led the fightback by smashing his 24th Test century. The stylish right-handed batter smashed 132 and formed a game-changing 158-run partnership with Tom Blundell, pushing the home team from 297/5 to 455/6.

However, Williamson’s departure triggered a collapse as New Zealand could only add 28 runs more to the total. During the Kiwi innings, all-rounder Michael Bracewell‘s run out grabbed maximum eyeballs as the batter was dismissed in an embarrassing manner.

It all happened during the 159th over of New Zealand’s second innings when Tom Blundell whipped English left-arm spinner Jack Leach to deep mid??-wicket. Blundell and Bra?cewell went for the third run. However, Bracewell looked too much casual on his way to complete the third run, as he did not attempt to drag his bat in.

England skipper Ben Stokes chased the ball from mid-on and fired in a perfect throw. Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes showed some sharp keeping skills and took the bails off at the right time to catch Bracewell off-guard. Interestingly, the New Zealander was past the crease, but his bat? and foot were in the air, leading to his dismissal.

Here is the video:

This is why you run your bat in 😬

A wicket manufactured from out of nowhere! #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/i52FQVyw2H

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 27, 2023

In response to the target of 2??58 to win the second Test, the touring party has managed to reach 48/1 in 11 overs at stumps on Day 4. England now need 210 runs to win the contest with an entire day left in the match. Notably, the visitors are already leading the two-match series 1-0 after registering a dominant victory in the opening Test.

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