New Zealand allrounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 35. Bracewell last played for New Zealand in a Test match in 2023.
A long-running rib injury played a major role in his decision. The injury kept him out of action for Central Districts during the current domestic season.
Bracewell represented New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 One Day Internationals and 20 T20 Internationals between 2011 and 2023. The defining moment of his international career came early, in just his third Test. In December 2011 at Hobart, he took match figures of 9 for 60 and led New Zealand to their first Test win in Australia in 26 years. That victory remains New Zealand’s most recent Test win on Australian soil.
In Test cricket, Bracewell took 74 wickets at an average of 38.82. He also claimed 46 wickets across ODIs and T20Is. His energetic fast medium bowling made him a valuable option in all formats.
Speaking in a statement released by Central Districts, Bracewell said cricket had been a proud and fulfilling part of his life. He said he remained grateful for the chance to play for New Zealand and for Central Districts, and described playing first class and international cricket as a privilege he would always cherish.
Bracewell belongs to one of New Zealand’s most well known cricketing families. His father Brendon and uncle John both played Test cricket, with John also serving multiple terms as New Zealand head coach. His uncles Douglas and Mark also played first class cricket. Bracewell shared the field with his cousin Michael in two ODIs and one Test, and also played alongside him in the Under 19 World Cup in 2010. Michael is set to captain New Zealand in the upcoming ODI tour of India.
At domestic and franchise level, Bracewell played for Central Districts throughout his career. He also represented Delhi Daredevils in the 2012 Indian Premier League, Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2024, and the Central Stags in the Global Super League earlier this year.
Bracewell ends his career with a rare first class record in New Zealand cricket. He scored more than 4000 runs and took over 400 wickets, a feat matched by only a few players including Jeetan Patel. In 137 first class matches, he took 437 wickets at an average of 31.08 and scored 4505 runs at 25.45, including three centuries.