Doug Bracewell Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, bringing an end to a career marked by memorable performances and consistent contributions across formats. The 35-year-old represented New Zealand between 2011 and 2023, featuring in 28 Test matches, 21 One-Day Internationals, and 20 T20 Internationals.

Bracewell finishes his Test career with 74 wickets, a tally highlighted by one of the most iconic spells in New Zealand cricket history. In just his third Test appearance, he produced a match-winning performance against Australia in Hobart, claiming 6 for 40 in the final innings to secure a dramatic seven-run victory. That unforgettable effort earned him the player-of-the-match award and remains New Zealand’s last Test win over Australia on Australian soil.

In white-ball cricket, Bracewell claimed 46 international wickets and was regarded as a dependable seam-bowling all-rounder who could contribute lower-order runs. His final international appearance came in a Test against Sri Lanka in Wellington in 2023. A recurring rib injury later curtailed his playing time and ultimately forced him to conclude his domestic career with Central Districts.

Reflecting on his journey, Bracewell described his cricketing career as a source of pride and lifelong fulfilment. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent New Zealand and Central Districts, while also acknowledging the teammates, coaches, and support staff who played a key role throughout his career. Bracewell said it was a privilege to compete at both first-class and international levels and that he remained thankful for the chance to play the game he loved for so long.

Statistically, Bracewell retires as one of the few modern New Zealand all-rounders to achieve the elite first-class double of more than 4,000 runs and 400 wickets. Of those, 3,029 runs and 258 wickets came while representing Central Districts, making him the most successful all-rounder in the team’s history.

Beyond domestic cricket in New Zealand, Bracewell also featured in England’s county circuit, turning out for Essex and Northamptonshire. His T20 career included appearances for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2012 Indian Premier League, Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 league in 2024, and the Central Stags in the Global Super League earlier this year.

Doug Bracewell leaves the game with a legacy defined by resilience, versatility, and one of the finest match-winning spells ever produced by a New Zealand all-rounder.

Doug Bracewell: Overall Career Statistics

First-Class Cricket
Doug Bracewell featured in 137 first-class matches, scoring 4,505 runs at an average of 25.45. His highest score was 105, which included three centuries and 24 half-centuries.
With the ball, he claimed 422 wickets at an average of 31.08, with a best bowling performance of 7 for 35. He recorded 11 five-wicket hauls, underlining his value as a frontline all-rounder. In the field, he took 60 catches.

List A (One-Day) Cricket
In 93 List A matches, Bracewell scored 1,458 runs at an average of 24.30, with a highest score of 94. His batting included seven half-centuries.
As a bowler, he picked up 112 wickets at an average of 30.74, with best figures of 4 for 43 and four four-wicket hauls. He also accounted for 25 catches in the format.

T20 Cricket
Bracewell played 99 T20 matches, amassing 1,274 runs at an impressive average of 27.69. His top score was an unbeaten 93, and he struck three half-centuries.
With the ball, he took 103 wickets at an average of 24.98, with best figures of 3 for 19 and a strike rate of 17.49, highlighting his effectiveness in the shortest format. He also took 41 catches, reflecting his sharp fielding skills.
Team Maverick.