Bracewell keen to show he can also handle a bat
Doug Bracewell made his mark with the ball instantly – now he’s hoping to get a chance with the bat.
Given the form the West Indies have shown so far this tour, that’s by no means certain.
The Black Caps lost just five wickets in winning the opening ODI in Whangarei on Wednesday, so when the two sides meet again in Christchurch tomorrow, Bracewell – if he plays – may not get the opportunity to solidify his claims as an allrounder.
Bracewell was brought into the one-day squad as a late replacement for Colin de Grandhomme after de Grandhomme’s father died in Zimbabwe.
After taking 4-55 on his return to international cricket from injury, Bracewell said he also wants to prove his worth with the bat.
‘‘It’s something I’ve been working pretty hard at lately,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve been given the opportunity for CD [Central Districts] to go out and sort of play with some freedom at six or seven and I’ve managed to have a good start for the season so I’m feeling really good with the bat.
‘‘I’m hoping I can show I’ve got the ability down at No 8, No 7.’’
Bracewell was sidelined from all cricket last December when he slipped during a match in New Ply- mouth, badly injuring his left knee, and he admitted to nerves on his return this season – firstly to the domestic game, then on his New Zealand recall.
‘‘The first couple of games I was nervous and I guess anxious at the same time – I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to go after a winter of rehab and a bit of hard work.
‘‘I’m not going to lie, it was pretty tough. I was quite sore but I managed to get through and now it seems to get better each day – so, yeah, positive signs.
Bracewell described the knee as ‘‘improving day by day’’.
‘‘It’s one of those things that we’ve got to manage and monitor. but it’s improved a helluva lot over the last couple of weeks.
‘‘There’s definitely positive signs there.’’
There were with the ball too, as he made an immediate impact by dismissing danger man Chris Gayle first ball.
‘‘I was ready – a few nerves early on and then to get a wicket first ball made things a bit easier,’’ Bracewell said.
‘‘I was hoping the boys would knock him over early.
‘‘We’ve talked about plans and obviously he’s a pretty destructive player, so obviously you’ve got to keep it pretty tight to him and thankfully I got one in the right area first-up and he managed to nick it.’’
Windies coach Stuart Law felt the Cobham Oval pitch favoured the side bowling first too greatly, and Bracewell partly concurred.
‘‘I think it was a pretty good wicket – a touch on the slow side. ‘‘I guess bowling first we wanted to get something out of it and it was a little bit tennis-bally and slow early on. I think the wicket got better as the day carried on.’’
Bracewell’s international summer future remains uncertain, with de Grandhomme likely to push him back on his return, but for now he’s relishing his chance.
‘‘It’s exciting to be back in the mix – enjoyable to be back playing and back in this squad. It was just good to be back – when the team’s going so well it makes it a lot easier.‘‘