BIG-HITTING New Zealand international all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been revealed as Worcestershire Rapids new signing for the 2023 Vitality Blast campaign.
Bracewell, who bats in the top order and bowls off-spin, made the breakthrough for his country in all formats of the game earlier this year, including his Test debut against England.
It followed on from him finishing as the leading scorer in the 2021-2022 Super Smash T20 competition in New Zealand.
Bracewell amassed 478 runs at an average of 79.66 for Wellington, and his 141 not out against Central Stags was the highest T20 score in New Zealand.
He then showed his hitting power for his country with 127 off 82 balls in an ODI against Ireland last summer and followed that up with a hat-trick in a T20I against the same opponents in the first over he bowled in an international match.
The 31-year-old has emulated his uncles, Brendon and John Bracewell, and cousin, Doug Bracewell, in representing the Black Caps. Fellow New Zealand internationals Martin Guptill, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, have all played T20 cricket for the Rapids in recent seasons.
Worcestershire head coach, Alan Richardson, is delighted with the signing of Bracewell.
He said: “It’s always good to have someone of his calibre, but the fact he is a true all-rounder means we are really getting two players.
“Michael’s international white-ball cricket record is outstanding, but he also has a very healthy first class record and will offer great experience.”
Bracewell will be experiencing his first taste of county cricket in England when he teams up with the Rapids.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to my first experience of the Blast, a competition in which Worcestershire had a lot of success in recent times.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Worcestershire from a lot of New Zealand players who have recently played there, and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to join up with the group next summer.”
