BLACKCAPS spinning great John Bracewell has been announced as the new head coach of the Northern Districts men’s team in their first-class and limited overs formats next summer.
Bracewell fills a vacancy that was left when James Pamment departed to take up the role of Fielding Coach for the Mumbai Indians in the 2018 IPL, and brings with him a tremendous wealth of elite coaching experience.
Northern Districts Cricket CEO Ben MacCormack was thrilled with the appointment.
“John obviously comes with a huge level of varied coaching experience from all across the world; he also feels connected to our philosophy of developing future BLACKCAPS", said MacCormack.
“To have secured the services of someone of John’s calibre speaks volumes for our organisation and the culture that has been built here for many years, and he is now part of the Northern Districts family.”
Leadership group roll call: ND's Dean Brownlie, John Bracewell, Daniel Flynn and Ben MacCormack. Credit: NDCA
A former head coach of the BLACKCAPS, Bracewell’s distinguished coaching career has also included key coaching roles with Ireland, Auckland and Gloucestershire. He took the BLACKCAPS to semi-finals level at both T20 and ODI World Cups, helped Ireland on its way to Test status and is now looking forward to building on the good foundation laid by ND's coaching team over recent years.
“I spent some time with the ND lads as a consultant over the summer, working with coaches, and was very impressed with the athletic presentation of the players and forward-thinking nature of the administration and support staff," says Bracewell.
"It was great that the courage of their conviction paid dividends [the Knights winning the Burger King Super Smash for just the second time]. I'm really excited to be working with this organisation.”
Graeme Aldridge and Matthew Horne will continue to deliver as specialist coaches across the men’s programmes, while Gareth Hopkins will remain as the Knights' T20 Men’s Head Coach as they seek to defend their Burger King Super Smash title in 2018/19.
Bracewell's new role will see him regularly plotting against two of his nephews: Central Stags allrounder Doug Bracewell, the son of fellow former BLACKCAP Brendon Bracewell; and Wellington Firebirds batsman and captain Michael Bracewell, the son of former Otago rep Mark Bracewell.
