“Doug has been in superb form this summer and we’re confident he can come in and do a good job for us”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand pace bowler Doug Bracewell has been called up as a replacement for fellow seamer Mitchell McClenaghan after he fractured a bone above his left eye during the first ODI against Pakistan in Wellington.

McClenaghan sustained the injury when a bouncer bowled by Pakistan pace bowler Anwar Ali went through the gap between the visor and grill of his helmet and hit him in the face.

With McClenaghan set to undergo minor cosmetic surgery in Auckland on Friday, Bracewell will remain with the squad for the remainder of the ODI series.

“Obviously our main focus is making sure Mitch is okay, and we’ll continue to monitor him over the coming days,” New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson said. “Doug has been in superb form this summer and we’re confident he can come in and do a good job for us. He’s an integral member of our wider bowling group and brings a lot to the side.”

The second ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan will be held in Napier on Thursday, while the third and final match will be played in Auckland on Sunday.