'Destructive' New Zealand All-Rounder Replaces Will Jacks at RCB


image-lfdly5e6Bracewell replaces Jacks in the squad [AP Photos]

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have signed New Zealand all-rounder, Michael Bracewell as a replacement player for injured Will Jacks.

Bracewell, who no one seemed interested in during the mini IPL auction, showed his prowess in the recently concluded ODI series against India. He smashed the joint-fastest ODI hundred against India (57-balls), and almost propelled his side to an unlikely victory against the home team, chasing a mammoth target of 350.

Talking about Will Jacks, he sustained a muscle injury during England's second ODI against Bangladesh earlier this month. As a result, he was ruled out of the remainder of the series and the IPL. The big-hitting batter was bought in by RCB for INR 3.20 crore, and was expected to play a major role for the franchise in the upcoming season.

Interestingly, Jacks was never supposed to be a part of the England side for their tour of Bangladesh. Tom Abell, who was the original member of the squad, suffered a side strain, and was replaced by Jacks in the England squad.

Bracewell will provide the explosiveness in the middle order, and can also chip in with the ball in hand. The Kiwi all-rounder has played 117 T20 matches, and has amassed 2284 runs, with a strike-rate of 133.48. Moreover, he has also scalped 40 wickets, with an economy of just 6.52.

The 16th season of IPL starts from March 31. RCB will play their first game against Mumbai Indians on April 2.