Son and nephew of Brendon and John Bracewell, former New Zealand players, Doug has grown up in a family of cricketers. Uncle John was also the coach of the New Zealand team. His talents were recognized very early on when he was picked for the U-19 World Cup in 2010. Seeing his growing stature in first class cricket he was grouped into the National squad for the tour of Zimbabwe in October 2011.

Doug had a rollicking start to his International career. A series of injuries to other bowlers helped him make his Test debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and he was impressive immediately taking a 5-wicket haul in the second innings. He continued in the same way as he wrecked havoc with his pace and swing at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart. That spell against Australia got him his career best figures of 6/40 and helped New Zealand win a Test there after 26 years.

Since those two 5-wicket hauls, he has not looked menacing and has gone for plenty of runs in both Tests and ODIs. Having age on his side will help this youngster to regain that confidence and to become one of the best bowlers for his country.

Bracewell has had issues off the field. During the series against India in 2014, he and Jesse Ryder were suspended from the team as they were involved in late night drinking before the match day. Both of them failed to make it to the squad that travelled to Bangladesh for the T20 World Cup. Bracewell last played for New Zealand on India tour but was not impressive.

Stat: He became the seventh New Zealand bowler to get a 5-wicket haul in his debut Test.



by Akshay Maanay