Cricket: Bracewell has history on his side in seamer battle

Doug Bracewell celebrates taking the final wicket in New Zealand's famous win at Hobart. Photo / Getty

When Doug Bracewell looks back on his finest week as a test cricketer, it's the simplicity he remembers best.

Four years ago, in New Zealand's most recent test against Australia at Hobart's Bellerive Oval, the visitors pulled off just their third win in Australia, by only seven runs.

It was a nerve-rattling final day on a still-green pitch, before Bracewell administered the final blow, bowling tailender Nathan Lyon before being engulfed by his team mates.

Bracewell had taken six for 40 off 16.4 overs to spearhead the push to victory, with New Zealand defending just 240, which would have been the highest score in a lowscoring test had opener David Warner, who finished unbeaten on 123, got the Aussies across the line.

Bracewell finished with match analysis of nine for 60 off 26.4 overs, spectacular figures to which Bracewell credits an uncomplicated policy.

"It was pretty simple really. I stayed patient, kept the ball in the right areas and didn't do anything too spectacular," he said on the eve of the three-test series starting in Brisbane on November 5.

"I felt I've bowled better than that, but not taken a bag of wickets. It was just one of those days (the second Australian innings) and the ball was coming out pretty nice.

"We ended up coming out on top which was fantastic but this time they're going to be tough and we're going to have to be on top of our game."

That performance appeared to have set Bracewell up for a longterm place in New Zealand's test XI, but it didn't work out that way.

In 19 tests, he's taken 55 wickets at 35.1 but was rubbed out of the test frame for several months, for off-field indiscretions with Jesse Ryder before the start of the home series against India early last year.

Now he's back and effectively in a duel for the third seamer's spot for the opening test at the Gabba with Canterbury seamer Matt Henry, as support for new ball pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

He warmed up for the tour with five for 67 against Otago on the batting highway at Napier's Nelson Park last week and insists he's a wiser bowler now than he was last time he was in Australia.

"Absolutely. I feel like I'm getting better all the time, and obviously a lot more experienced, being around the guys for a few years. Each day I try to learn and get better."

Bracewell has one point in his favour: he's played test cricket in Australia, has experienced the grounds, the conditions and the crowds, and he's had success.

Henry is the incumbent from the second test win over England at Leeds in May. The contest shapes up as among the most intriguing selection aspects ahead of the first test.