New Zealand cricket bids farewell to one of its most tenacious competitors as all-rounder Doug Bracewell officially announces his retirement from all forms of the game.
At 35, Bracewell’s decision comes after a challenging battle with a persistent rib injury that sidelined him for Central Districts this season.
His departure marks the conclusion of a career defined by high-intensity medium-fast bowling, handy lower-order batting, and a historic performance that etched his name into New Zealand sporting folklore.
The Hobart Hero
While Bracewell donned the Black Caps 69 times, his legacy is inextricably linked to one afternoon in Hobart in December 2011.
In just his third Test match, a young Bracewell dismantled the Australian batting lineup, claiming match figures of 9 for 60.
His second-innings heroics led New Zealand to a thrilling seven-run victory, breaking a 26-year drought on Australian soil.
To this day, it remains the last time the New Zealand Test side has tasted victory in Australia, a testament to the magnitude of his performance.
In test cricket, Bracewell finished with 74 wickets at an average of 38.82, while also contributing valuable runs with the bat. Across white-ball formats, he took 46 wickets, taking his total international tally to 120 wickets, alongside 915 international runs.
While his numbers may not place him among New Zealand’s most prolific all-rounders, his impact in key moments ensured his place in memorable cricketing moments.
Bracewell also enjoyed a strong domestic career with Central Districts, achieving a rare milestone in New Zealand first-class cricket.
He retires having scored more than 4,000 runs and taken over 400 wickets in the format, a feat matched by only a select few, including off-spinner Jeetan Patel. In 137 first-class matches, Bracewell claimed 437 wickets at 31.08 and scored 4,505 runs, including three centuries.
Coming from a renowned cricketing family, Bracewell’s journey in the sport felt almost destined. His father, Brendon and uncle John both represented New Zealand in Test cricket, while his uncles, Douglas and Mark, also played first-class cricket.
Bracewell even shared the international stage with his cousin Michael Bracewell, who is set to captain New Zealand in the upcoming ODIs against India.
Beyond New Zealand cricket, Bracewell also featured in franchise leagues, including a stint with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in IPL 2012, the Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2024, and the Central Stags in the Global Super League earlier this year.
