Doug Bracewell retires from all forms of cricket

New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has called time on his cricket career, announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket. Bracewell, who last represented New Zealand in a Test in 2023, has been plagued by a recurring rib injury, which consigned him to the sidelines for Central Districts in the ongoing season and eventually forced him to retire.

Bracewell, who made his first-class debut for Central Districts in 2008, represented New Zealand in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs, and 20 T20Is between 2011 and 2023. One of the biggest highlights of his career came in Hobart against Australia in December 2011, when he recorded figures of 9 for 60 to help New Zealand register their first Test win Down Under in 26 years. It remains New Zealand’s most recent victory in Australia to this day.

Bracewell was also a part of the IPL in 2012, when he represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He has also had stints in SA20 with Joburg Super Kings in 2024 and Central Stags in the Global Super League 2025.

"It's been a proud part of my life, and something I aspired to as a young cricketer," Bracewell said in a Central Districts statement. "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. 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 scalped 74 wickets at an average of 38.82 in his Test career, while he took 46 wickets in white-ball cricket for New Zealand. In his first-class career, he took 437 wickets at an average of 31.08 and scored 4505 runs at 25.45, completing the rare double of 4000 runs and 400-plus wickets in first-class cricket in New Zealand.