This powerful New Zealand player retired from cricket, suddenly took a big decision after 35 years
New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. 35-year-old Bracewell last played for New Zealand in a Test match in 2023. A persistent rib injury played a role in his decision, due to which he has not been able to play for Central Districts this season.
Bracewell played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20 International matches for New Zealand from 2011 to 2023. The most memorable moment of his career came in just his third Test match, in Hobart in December 2011, when he took 9 wickets and conceded 60 runs, giving New Zealand its first Test win in Australia in 26 years. Since then, the Kiwi team has not won any test match in Australia. Bracewell took 74 wickets in Tests and 46 wickets for New Zealand in limited overs cricket.
“It’s been a proud part of my life, and it’s something I dreamed of as a young cricketer,” Bracewell said in a statement from Central Districts. “I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had through cricket and the opportunity to play for my country, as well as the opportunity to play for Central Districts throughout my domestic cricket career. It has been a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and I am grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for so long.”
Bracewell comes from one of New Zealand’s most prominent cricket families. His father Brendan and uncle John both played Test cricket for New Zealand. John also coached the New Zealand team several times while his other uncles Douglas and Mark also played first class cricket. Bracewell has played two ODIs and one Test with his cousin Michael, who is also a brilliant all-rounder and was named New Zealand captain in ODIs on their tour of India next month, and also played in the Under-19 World Cup in 2010.
Bracewell was also a part of the Delhi Daredevils team in IPL 2012. He also played for the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 in 2024 and the Central Stags in the Global Super League earlier this year.
Bracewell took 4000 runs and more than 400 wickets in first class cricket and apart from him, only Jeetan Patel has done this feat in New Zealand. In his 137-match first class career, he took 437 wickets at an average of 31.08 and also scored 4505 runs at an average of 25.45.
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