That Hobart peak contrasted against an Auckland trough in February 2014. He and Jesse Ryder broke team protocol by drinking into the early hours of Waitangi Day, the first day of the opening test against India.
They were punished accordingly, but several sources confirmed Bracewell has made significant and consistent strides in the aftermath. He has become a valued member of the New Zealand environment, albeit after dropping down the selection rankings with a wealth of pace bowlers in stock. Past skirmishes with the law were expected, but the latest incident came as a shock.
Bracewell will be sentenced next month under the provisions for offenders who have two or more previous drink-drive convictions. The other instances occurred before he became an international cricketer.
The maximum penalty for the charge is two years in prison or a $6000 fine.
If Bracewell goes to jail, the punishment will be obvious. A fine or community work might come with other repercussions. Travelling overseas to play cricket could become tougher. Most countries require convictions to be declared, then it is a matter of government discretion whether applicants are granted entry.
A recent example came with convicted spot fixer Mohammad Amir's arrival in New Zealand during January 2016. He jumped through a raft of immigration hoops in his return to the international game.
Bracewell continues to recover from tearing an anterior cruciate ligament at New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium on December 10 playing a Twenty20 match.
He remains a nationally-contracted player but that status will come under threat when next season's list is released in June.
His future is uncertain from there.
