Cole McConchie replaces injured Bracewell in NZ T20 WC squad

New Zealand's selection of Cole McConchie as Michael Bracewell's replacement for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup has received official approval. The modification was approved by the Event Technical Committee (ETC) of the governing body following Bracewell's injury-related expulsion from the tournament last week. During warm-ups prior to the team's World Cup opener against Afghanistan in Chennai, the 35-year-old all-rounder injured his left calf again. He had been on the comeback trail following the calf tear he sustained during the third ODI against India last month, but scans revealed a recurrence of the injury that is expected to sideline him for around three weeks. Before inviting McConchie to join the team, New Zealand had designated him as a traveling reserve. McConchie, a seasoned domestic player who has made 133 T20 appearances, joins the team after a successful season with Canterbury Kings, where he took 14 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71 and finished as the team's leading wicket-taker. On receiving his call-up to the squad, McConchie stated, "It feels pretty surreal to be here." "It doesn't get much better than a World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. You constantly strive to wear the fern, so getting called up is extremely special. I'm looking forward to contributing in any way I can." Canada will play New Zealand on Tuesday, February 17 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. New Zealand has won two of their three Group D games thus far.