Sports News : New Zealand cricket has suffered a significant setback as experienced all-rounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all formats of the game. The 35-year-old last represented New Zealand in Test cricket in 2023 and has decided to step away after struggling with a long-term rib injury that kept him out of action for Central Districts this season.
Bracewell enjoyed an international career spanning from 2011 to 2023, during which he played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20 Internationals for New Zealand. His most memorable performance came in December 2011 during the Hobart Test against Australia—only his third Test—when he returned remarkable figures of 6 for 9, helping New Zealand secure a historic Test victory in Australia after 26 years. To date, that remains New Zealand’s last Test win on Australian soil.
A right-arm medium-fast bowler, Bracewell claimed 74 wickets in Test cricket and 46 wickets in limited-overs internationals. Announcing his retirement, he said cricket had been a proud and defining part of his life, and representing his country and domestic team was a privilege he would always cherish.
Doug Bracewell hails from a renowned cricketing family. His father Brendon Bracewell and uncle John Bracewell both played Test cricket for New Zealand, with John also serving multiple stints as the national team’s coach. His other uncles, Douglas and Mark, played first-class cricket. Doug also shared the field with his cousin Michael Bracewell, playing two ODIs and one Test together; Michael is set to captain New Zealand’s ODI side on the upcoming tour of India.
In domestic and franchise cricket, Bracewell represented Central Districts, featured for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in IPL 2012, Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2024, and Central Stags in the Global Super League earlier this year.
He retires with an impressive first-class record, having scored over 4,500 runs and taken more than 437 wickets across 137 matches, including three centuries—cementing his place among New Zealand’s most memorable all-rounders.
