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Revealed: Why Michael Bracewell has not taken the field in 2nd innings vs India in 3rd ODI

Aakash Saini

Michael Bracewell [Source: @CricketT20IPL/x]Michael Bracewell [Source: @CricketT20IPL/x]

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell bludgeoned a rapid 28* off 18 balls in the slog overs against India at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18. Bracewell’s late cameo bolted New Zealand to a monumental 337-8 in 50 overs after getting invited to bat first in the series-deciding third ODI.

Tasked to lead the New Zealand team on the tour in the absence of Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell also walked into the field along with his troops during the Indian chase as the visitors aim to secure a rare three-match ODI rubber in the Indian subcontinent. Unfortunately, the skipper was forced to walk off the field after a while, prompting star all-rounder Daryl Mitchell to take up New Zealand captaincy in the all-important game.

Why is New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell not on the field?

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell walked off the field within the first half of the Indian innings at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. As per a commentary update around the 15-over mark, the cricketer left the field owing to a calf issue. The commentators also informed that Michael Bracewell is unlikely to take field in the remainder of the game.

In the meantime, fellow New Zealand batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell took up national captaincy as the visitors aim to clinch the three-match ODI series against India in the decider.

New Zealand tower over India in third ODI after Daryl Mitchell ton

New Zealand batted first and amassed 337-8 in 50 overs after Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss. Interestingly enough, Indian fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana both struck in their respective opening overs to account for a New Zealand opener each at 5-2. The visitors soon slipped to 58-3 after Rana toppled number three Will Young at a well-set 30 from 41 balls.

However, middle-order batters and star all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips counterattacked with a humungous 219-run partnership for the fourth wicket to set up stage for a 300-plus total. Both cricketers bludgeoned masterful centuries, with Daryl Mitchell top-scoring in the innings through his scintillating 137-run knock from 131 balls. The innings also marked Mitchell’s second successive hundred this series after his blistering 131* a couple of days ago in Rajkot.

Phillips made a cracking 106 off 88 balls with nine boundaries and three huge sixes, before New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell joined in the fun with a swift 18-ball 28*. For India, pacemen Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana both picked up three wickets each in the high-scoring innings. Mohammed Siraj and ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with a wicket each.

The Indian run-chase started off on an underwhelming note, as the hosts lost four of their top five batters for just 71 on the board in 12.5 overs. Captain Shubman Gill got knocked over by Kyle Jamieson, and his senior opening partner Rohit Sharma handed an easy catch to Kristian Clarke at mid-on for just 11.