Worcestershire have signed New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell, the nephew of ex-Gloucestershire coach John Bracewell, for this summer time’s T20 Blast.
Bracewell, 31, has been capped by the Kiwis in all three types of the sport.
He has made 13 T20I and 13 ODI appearances, in addition to having two Check caps.
He’s the fourth member of the identical household to symbolize his nation, having adopted uncles John, Brendon and cousin Doug.
“It is all the time good to have somebody of his calibre,” stated Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson. “However the reality he’s a real all-rounder means we’re actually getting two gamers.
“Michael’s worldwide white-ball cricket document is excellent, however he additionally has a really wholesome first-class document and can provide nice expertise.”
Bracewell, who additionally bowls off spin, was the main run scorer within the 2021-2022 Tremendous Smash T20 in New Zealand, hitting 478 runs at a mean of 79.66 for Wellington.
He provides to the rising listing of New Zealand internationals – Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi – who’ve performed for Worcestershire in latest seasons.
Worcestershire, Blast winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2019, have plans to herald a second T20 abroad signing for 2023.
Azhar Ali’s remaining Check look
The Pears’ different abroad signing for subsequent season is Pakistan Check opener Azhar Ali, who’s to return to New Street for a second summer time in 2023.
Azhar, 37, is at present taking part in in his remaining Check match in opposition to England in Karachi, making 45 and a second-innings fourth-ball duck, having introduced his choice to retire earlier within the week.
Having made 7,142 runs at a mean of 42.51, he’s one among solely 5 Pakistan gamers to attain 7,000 Check runs for his nation after Younis Khan (10,099), Javed Miandad (8,832), Inzamam-ul-Haq (8,829) and Mohammad Yousuf (7,530).
After being initially signed by the Pears as a alternative for the unavailable Matthew Wade, the previous Somerset right-hander proved successful at New Street, making 656 runs in 11 Championship matches at 41.00, in addition to 185 in six One-Day Cup video games.
“We benefitted massively final yr from having him at Worcester,” stated new Pears head coach Alan Richardson. “We stay up for him having one other constructive influence in 2023.
“It’s a actual reflection of him, not simply as a participant however as an individual, that he has been such a useful a part of the Pakistan squad. To play on the highest degree for thus lengthy, he is proven an incredible quantity of consistency.
“He has obtained a whole lot of traits which have made him profitable. To return out within the first Check, after damaging his finger, and play the best way he did, confirmed actual character.”
