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New Zealand: Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket at the age of 35, bringing the curtains down on a career affected in recent years by persistent rib injuries that kept him out of the current domestic season with Central Districts.
Injuries Force The Final Call
Bracewell last represented New Zealand in a Test match in 2023. Ongoing rib issues prevented him from featuring in the recent domestic season, ultimately leading to his decision to step away from the game. Announcing his retirement, Bracewell said cricket had been a proud part of his life and representing his country and domestic sides was a privilege.
International Career Highlights
Between 2011 and 2023, Bracewell played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20 Internationals for New Zealand. His most iconic performance came in December 2011 during the Hobart Test against Australia, where he took 9 wickets for 60 runs in just his third Test match. That performance powered New Zealand to a historic Test win in Australia after 26 years — a feat that remains their last Test victory on Australian soil.
Strong Numbers With Ball And Bat
In Test cricket, Bracewell claimed 74 wickets in 28 matches, while in limited-overs formats he took a combined 46 wickets. In first-class cricket, he retired with a rare double: over 4,000 runs and more than 400 wickets. Across 137 first-class matches, he picked up 437 wickets at an average of 31.08 and scored 4,505 runs at 25.45, including three centuries. Only off-spinner Jeetan Patel has achieved a similar milestone in New Zealand cricket.
Cricketing Lineage And Domestic Journey
Bracewell came from a strong cricketing lineage — his father Brendan and uncle John Bracewell both played Test cricket for New Zealand, with John also serving multiple stints as national team coach. Domestically, Doug represented Central Districts and featured in several global leagues, including IPL 2012 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), SA20 2024 with Joburg Super Kings, and the Global Super League with Central Stags.
