It seems like an eternity since seam bowler Doug Bracewell donned the black kit for New Zealand due to poor performances on the field and poor choices off it. However, his dismal run seems to be well in the past and Bracewell is looking to make his return count.
Bracewell was included in the XI man squad during Sunday’s must-win ODI against South Africa in Potchefstroom and put on a bowling performance that clearly showed what he has used the 26 months he spent out of action perfecting.
The Black Caps went into their South African tour short on experience and lacking the depth viewers have come become used to. With both Trent Boult and Tim Southee out of action, a senior bowler needed to step up amongst the young and fairly inexperienced attack to take control and lead by example, an opportunity Bracewell grabbed and refused to let go off.
Leading the bowling figures with 3-31 in only his 8th ODI for the Black Caps (a game New Zealand went on to win by eight wickets), he not only registered his career best bowling figures but also lead a highly disciplined and effective attack on a very difficult, super-slow pitch in the second of three ODI matches.
He managed to bowl his off-stump line with near perfect length proving to be one of the biggest headaches for the South African batsmen on the day. Each of his three wickets was mimics of each other, mistimed lofted shots thanks to swing on a two-paced pitch.
Compare the Bracewell we see now to the man from a year ago who was sent packing after alcohol-related issues saw him relegated to NZ A, the difference is night and day.
His selection into the touring squad was met with some doubt, with many critics calling Mike Hesson brave in his decision. However, with the decision proving to being profitable, it quickly silenced the murmurs.
Due to his stop-start international career, Bracewell unfortunately earned himself the reputation of a risky selection choice when it came to the white ball, making his return to the international squad that more difficult to achieve.
What is important now for his team, and more specifically himself, is that his current form continues and his role within the squad not only becomes a valuable one, but vital too.
With a test tour to Australia just around the corner (it begins in November), Bracewell can now easily and realistically find himself battling it out with World Cup hero Matt Henry for the converted third seamer option.
