There are many things Doug Bracewell remembers fondly from the BLACKCAPS’ Test victory over Australia in 2011, but the biggest one is the overwhelming feeling of relief.
The then 21-year-old delivered an extraordinary spell of bowling in Hobart to secure the BLACKCAPS a dramatic and momentous seven-run Test victory — the first across the ditch since 1985.
Australia, chasing 241 on a testing green pitch, were set after a century from David Warner, but Bracewell fought back to remove Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey to leave them 173/5 at lunch.
After the break, the BLACKCAPS claimed the final five wickets for 60 runs — the final eight wickets falling for just 74 on a memorable day for New Zealand Cricket.
Warner, the mainstay of the innings, finished unbeaten on 123 when the last man standing, Nathan Lyon, was bowled by Bracewell.
“I was pretty knackered at the time, but giving it everything I had left with the Test match on the line,” remembers Bracewell, who celebrated his 25th birthday this week.
“When I bowled Nathan Lyon, the feeling that came over me was just pure relief. It was a great opportunity to beat Australia over there and, looking back, I am pretty happy that we were able to take the chance when it came along.”
Bracewell was engulfed by his teammates when he secured the win — finishing the match with career-best bowling figures of 6/40 and stamping his name on international Test cricket.
“That relief turned into huge enjoyment, the adrenalin was pumping! Any time you manage a Test win for your country is a special achievement, but that was a great day to be part of this team.
“It was pretty early in my Test career, too, and I was just trying to establish myself in the team. There was a bit of pressure, so to win that second Test and to play a part in that victory did the confidence a world of good.”
Four years on, Bracewell has played 19 Test matches and is back in the mix to take on the Aussies in November’s three-Test series.The BLACKCAPS can still take self-belief from having toppled the world number ones on their home turf, he says, but is quick to point out it was a long time ago.
“That was four years ago now, so it’s a different team and a different challenge. But this Test team has gone through a really successful period, travelled all around the world in the past 18 months and won away from home, which isn’t easy to do. Meanwhile Australia has a great record in their conditions and they will be really tough to beat in this series.”
The Devon Hotel Central Stags paceman has had to fight hard for his chances. He was included in the Test squad to play in England, but didn’t play in either of the two Tests after BLACKCAPS coach Mike Hesson and skipper Brendon McCullum opted for seamers Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Matt Henry, the latter making his debut at Lord’s.
Bracewell came back into the frame on the recent limited overs tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe, impressing throughout and delivering a superb 3/31 from his 10 overs in the BLACKCAPS’ win at Potchefstroom.
“I loved every minute of that tour. It was a great opportunity being back in the ODI and T20 teams and it was nice to contribute to some good team performances. I enjoyed the opportunities that I got — and I’m hoping there are more so that I can earn a regular place in the side.”
Bracewell knows the competition for spots in the pace bowling line-up is as competitive as it has ever been for the BLACKCAPS. There are incumbents Southee, Boult and Henry within this squad, alongside allrounders Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham — outside of this touring squad are also Neil Wagner, Ben Wheeler and Adam Milne.
“It’s probably the most competitive period that I have been part of! It’s great to have that depth and we know that we have to perform to keep getting picked. It is tough to secure a spot, but that is how you want it. You want it to be a challenge because it keeps driving the team forward.”
Bracewell believes we need that depth if we are going to fulfil the ambition of beating Australia in a Test series across the Tasman for the first times in 30 years.
He says the team hasn’t looked at Australia too much in recent times, as the BLACKCAPS have been focussing on their own preparation and conditioning for the series.
“They will have some new faces with some guys retiring after The Ashes, but Australia has a proud record at home and they will be doing everything they can to continue that. It’s going to be a good challenge for all of the boys.”
Bracewell hasn’t bowled with the pink ball yet, but will do so next week at the BLACKCAPS’ training camp in Hamilton to begin specific preparation for the third Test in Adelaide.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be interesting to see how the pink ball reacts and to see the best lengths that we should be bowling. There’s already huge hype around that Test in Adelaide, it’s going to be a big occasion!”
He says the boys can’t wait to get on the plane on October 20 and get into training in Australian conditions. And, he has no doubt what’s the best thing about touring Australia.
“It is the massive challenge. They are the best team in the world, so to play them in their own conditions is the ultimate challenge and one that all of the boys are up for.”
