Fast bowler Doug Bracewell has been brought into New Zealand’s ODI squad for the remainder of the series against Pakistan, replacing the injured Mitchell McClenaghan. McClenaghan fractured the bone above his left eye during the first ODI on Monday, when the ball burst through his helmet grille while he was batting. He is set to undergo minor cosmetic surgery for the injury on Friday in Auckland.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said McClenaghan’s health was the priority for the team, so it was decided to replace him for the second and third ODIs, which will be played in Napier and Auckland this week.
“Obviously our main focus is making sure Mitch is okay, and we’ll continue to monitor him over the coming days,” Hesson said. “Doug has been in superb form this summer and we’re confident he can come in and do a good job for us. He’s an integral member of our wider bowling group and brings a lot to the side.”
Bracewell had played the preceding ODI series against Sri Lanka, before turning out for Central Districts in the Ford Trophy – New Zealand’s domestic one-dayers. There, in the Ford Trophy, he had picked up only three wickets in four bowling innings, but maintained an impressive economy rate of 4.96.
