Fast bowler Doug Bracewell will be added to the BLACKCAPS squad for the third ANZ Test starting in Auckland on Friday if he gets through tomorrow’s Ford Trophy match unscathed.
The 22-year-old missed the first two ANZ Tests due to a foot injury, and his recovery will be tested during the Central Stags clash with the Canterbury Wizards in Christchurch tomorrow before he is confirmed in the squad for the deciding Test at Eden Park.
Bracewell and the two squad members who haven’t played in the ANZ Test series so far – Ian Butler and Tom Latham – will all feature in Ford Trophy cricket tomorrow before they join the squad in Auckland.
BLACKCAPS squad for third ANZ Test:
Brendon McCullum (c) - Otago Volts
Trent Boult - Northern Knights
Doug Bracewell - Central Stags (pending getting through Ford Trophy match tomorrow)
Dean Brownlie - Canterbury Wizards
Ian Butler – Otago Volts
Peter Fulton - Canterbury Wizards
Tom Latham - Canterbury Wizards
Bruce Martin - Auckland Aces
Hamish Rutherford - Otago Volts
Tim Southee - Northern Knights
Ross Taylor - Central Stags
Neil Wagner - Otago Volts
BJ Watling - Northern Knights
Kane Williamson - Northern Knights
BLACKCAPS head coach Mike Hesson says it’s pleasing to have Bracewell available for selection after the unfortunate injury that saw him miss the first two Tests.
“Doug’s availability creates a real battle for spots for this deciding ANZ Test against England. It also helps to manage the workload for a group of bowlers who have carried a heavy load during the first two Tests.”
“We’ll be keenly watching how he performs in the Ford Trophy tomorrow and how his foot comes through the game.”
