Essex Cricket are delighted to welcome back New Zealand bowling all-rounder Doug Bracewell on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Bracewell, 34, has rejoined Essex Men for the remainder of the season, marking his return to the red-ball squad after previously representing the Club in 2023.
The right-arm seamer will be available for Essex’s three remaining Rothesay County Championship fixtures against Durham, Warwickshire, and Somerset, with his contract running until September 28.
A proven contributor with both bat and ball, Bracewell strengthens Essex’s bowling attack as well as the lower order as Chris Silverwood’s side look to finish the season strongly. The squad heads into the final stages of the campaign buoyed by a positive Metro Bank One Day Cup run, winning five consecutive matches and only narrowly missing out on qualification.
During his stint with the Club in 2023, Bracewell made eight appearances, claiming 24 wickets at an average of 27.41, including best figures of 4-51 against Warwickshire at Chelmsford. He also produced a standout performance at Blackpool, scoring a rapid 61 not out from 35 balls batting at nine in a second innings declaration, before helping to secure a 46-run victory over Lancashire with match figures of 4-74.
Doug Bracewell of Essex celebrates with his team mates after taking the wicket of Joey Evison during Essex vs Kent, County Championship Division One at Chelmsford on 19th July 2023.
An experienced international, Bracewell has featured in 28 Tests for New Zealand, taking 74 wickets, and has 416 first-class wickets to his name. With the bat, he has amassed just under 4,500 first-class runs at an average of 25.47, offering valuable depth to the Essex line-up.
On signing for the Club, Bracewell said: “I’m really happy to get the opportunity to represent this great Club once again. My time playing for Essex in 2023 is something I remember fondly and I hope I can help the team win matches during the run in. Look forward to seeing all my teammates imminently.”
Essex Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood, said: “We’re happy to see Doug return to the Club for the remainder of the season.
“He has a wealth of experience and has represented the Club before so he knows what it means to play for Essex.
“With three important County Championship fixtures left he reinforces our bowling attack who have had a heavy workload this season and I am confident he will contribute to the team.”
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