Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Bracewell will have to perform brilliantly during the Champions Trophy in order to keep his spot in the national team

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that New Zealand pace bowler Doug Bracewell has replaced all-rounder Andrew Ellis for the Champions Trophy after Ellis sustained a broken rib.

Ellis sustained the injury while training for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England in Christchurch and was subsequently ruled out of the Champions Trophy

Bracewell recently represented New Zealand in the second Test against England in Headingley after getting the nod ahead of veteran Daniel Vettori, but failed to impress with the ball as he only took one wicket throughout the entire match.

The 22-year-old will be praying to his lucky stars that he performs well during the Champions Trophy as his spot on the national team is far from secure and still up for grabs.

New Zealand’s first match in the Champions Trophy will be against Sri Lanka in Cardiff on June 9.