Former Black Cap Doug Bracewell retires from all cricket

After a career spanning 18 years, Central Stags and New Zealand allrounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all cricket.

The 35-year-old debuted for the Stags in late 2008, at just 18 when he was already a New Zealand Under 19 representative.

Just three years later he was making his ODI, T20 International and test debuts for the Black Caps and, in just his third test appearance, in late 2011, famously helped New Zealand to beat Australia in Hobart with a man-of-the-match performance, taking 6/40 in the nail-biting last innings for victory by seven runs.

They remain his best figures for the Black Caps in an international career that went on to encompass 28 tests, 21 One-Day Internationals, and 20 T20 Internationals for New Zealand between the 2011/12 and 2022/23 seasons, as well as 77 first-class, 57 one-day and 72 T20 caps for Central Districts.

Bracewell’s extensive career also saw him play globally, from stints in England’s County Cricket for Essex and Northamptonshire, to the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL and the Joburg Super Kings in South Africa.

However, a persistent rib injury means he has not been in action for the Stags this season.

Bracewell said he would miss pulling on the Stags jersey.

“It’s been a proud part of my life, and something I aspired to as a young cricketer.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had through cricket, and the chance to play for my country, as well as for Central Districts, throughout my domestic career.

“I would like to take this time to acknowledge all the teammates I have played alongside, and the coaches and management who have been on this journey with me, for everything they have done for me.

“It’s a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and I’m grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for as long as I have.”

Bracewell retires as one of the few modern allrounders in the New Zealand game to have achieved the elite first-class double of 4000 runs and 400 career wickets, with 3029 of those runs and 258 of the wickets having been for Central – the best all-round record in the team’s history.

In Stags T20s, his double of 1099 runs and 75 wickets is also without peer while he also finishes as one of the team’s leading one-day all-round practitioners with 63 wickets and 1164 runs.

Bracewell spearheaded the Central pace contingent as a right-arm strike bowler and, for much of his career, owned the No 6 all-round spot in the order.

He was selected as the Central Stags’ Player of the Year in 2021.

Central Districts Cricket CEO Lance Hamilton thanked Bracewell for his loyalty and service to Central Districts Cricket over his extensive career.

“Doug’s playing record will speak for itself for decades to come, and the way he came back from a torn ligament in his knee in 2016, and further knee surgery in 2019, illustrated his determination.

“We wish Doug and his family all the best for the future.”

Central Districts Cricket will confirm a replacement on its 2025/26 season roster of contracted players in the coming weeks.