New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell is recovering from a calf injury and is expected to be fit for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He will have a chance to demonstrate his fitness in a warm-up match against the USA in Mumbai, three days before New Zealand’s first game against Afghanistan in Chennai.
New Zealand struggled to field their top team during their recent five-match T20I series against India due to injuries and player unavailability. Although they were close to having their best lineup, allrounder Jimmy Neesham fell ill, and the team decided not to rush fast bowler Lockie Ferguson back into action.
“His progression has been really good. Everything seems to be on track for the warm-up game against the USA,” said head coach Rob Walter as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Despite not playing for the Black Caps since November 2025, Neesham has been busy with franchise T20 leagues, including the Bangladesh Premier League and the UAE’s ILT20. The playing conditions there are somewhat similar to those in India and Sri Lanka, the T20 World Cup host nations.
“Jimmy might have been ill at the end of the competition, but he was actively involved in the Bangladesh Premier League, even winning the final. Our players have been engaged in T20 Cricket lately, so from a preparation perspective, we feel ready,” Walter said.
Finn Allen arrived in India after winning an overseas T20 league campaign and setting a record with 38 sixes, the most in a single Big Bash League season. He has maintained his aggressive batting style in India, targeting Indian bowlers effectively. Allen notably scored 19 runs off eight balls against Varun Chakravarthy.
“Conditions in Australia are quite different from India. The question is whether form can translate across venues. It was great to see his form continue,” said Walter.
Ferguson worked hard to get himself ready: Walter
Walter expressed optimism about Ferguson’s timely return from injury before the T20 World Cup. After straining his calf and withdrawing from the BBL, Ferguson marked his comeback by taking two wickets in the fifth T20I against India, bowling at full pace.
With Adam Milne out of the T20 World Cup, Ferguson is set to be New Zealand’s main bowler. He has also added a knuckleball to his bowling strategy, which could be beneficial in the upcoming tournament.
“He has worked hard to be ready for the World Cup. He said he would ease into it, but he was bowling at 145. If that’s easing in, I’m keen to see what’s next,” Walter said.
The scores will be varied compared to the India series: Walter
The fifth T20I between India and New Zealand saw a remarkable total of 496 runs, marking one of the highest scores in T20I history. The series, played on flat pitches, resulted in high scores, but Walter anticipates a change in scoring dynamics during the T20 World Cup, where conditions and the stakes may lead to more balanced games.
“Scores may be varied. With more pressure on results, the approach often changes, particularly in crucial matches. However, scores have generally risen in T20 cricket,” Walter noted.
“I don’t want to diminish the impressive performances from the Indian batters during this series. They certainly put us under a lot of pressure,” he added.
