Bracewell back but game washed out

"It has been pretty disappointing, obviously getting back into the New Zealand side, getting into a good rhythm with the bowling and then injured."

Black Caps bowler Doug Bracewell

Black Caps all-rounder Doug Bracewell’s return to the Central Stags had to wait due to rain but he remains in the reckoning for Saturday’s Ford Trophy semifinal.

Bracewell returned to the top qualifiers after recovering from a right hamstring injury he picked up during the T20 International against the West Indies on January 3, but their round eight match against Northern Districts in Napier was rained out.

‘‘It must be a bit of a hard team to pick at the moment because everyone is doing so well,’’ Bracewell said. ‘‘[Blair Tickner] stepping up this summer has been fantastic... All the other guys have been performing as well.’’

The Central Stags will play the Auckland Aces in Saturday’s first semifinal at Pukekura Park. The last round of the one-day competition was washed out across the country.

Bracewell said it was disappointing to pick up the injury so soon after being recalled to the national side.

‘‘Yeah, it has been pretty disappointing, obviously getting back into the New Zealand side, getting into a good rhythm with the bowling and then injured. But those things happen as a bowler.

‘‘You can’t do anything about it, other than put in the work, so I’m just excited to be fit again and ready to play, especially with the Stags doing so well.’’

The loser will have a second chance at reaching the final, playing the winner of the second semifinal, either Canterbury or Northern Districts, in the midweek elimination final.

Central Stags wicketkeeperbatsman Dane Cleaver leads the List A dismissals for the season with 12 catches and three stumpings from seven games.

The Central Stags will assemble and train in New Plymouth on Thursday.

*Central Stags v Auckland Aces, Pukekura Park, 11am, Saturday 17 February.