There’s no age divide atBristol, we’re as one
Google James Bracey and the top result returns a lead anchor at Sky News Australia. In May, his namesake, a teenage wicketkeeper/batsmen, was making, rather than reading, the headline news Down Under as well as on these shores and is well on his way to moving up the search engine’s results list.
Bracey, 19, opened for Loughborough MCCU against Australian Universities in a drawn two-day match in May, scoring 150 off 191 deliveries.
Such is his talent, Bracey was fast-tracked into the Gloucestershire team for their final Championship game against Sussex last week, batting No.3.
Though his debut in Bristol proved a baptism of fire – he entered the fray in the sixth over of the first morning and was back 14 minutes later with two runs on the board – there is no doubt of his potential.
And Bracey believes the strong characters in the County Ground dressing room will only succeed in accentuating his development.
“The senior pros have been great with me,” Bracey said. “Hamish Marshall and, of course Gareth Roderick, being a wicketkeeper, has been great to learn from. Then you’ve got Phil Mustard, who has so much wisdom to share.
“When we’re all together in the dressing room there is no age divide.We’re as one.
“Daws (Richard Dawson) and Harv (Ian Harvey) are forward-thinking in their approach; they are very friendly and interactive. They’re great to talk to about anything.
“I found out on the Friday before the Sussex game that I was in the squad of 13 after a call from Daws.
“Then in training on the Monday I was told I was going to be playing. Suffice to say, I didn’t sleep well that night!
“Gloucestershire showed great faith in me, to put me in there batting at three, it’s something I want to repay. This is my home county and it’s where I want to play my cricket.”
Living adjacent to Winterbourne CC, there was never any doubt as to how things would pan out for Bracey.
After following in brother Sam’s footsteps and first pulling on the whites for Winterbourne, he soon was representing Gloucestershire from U11 level and never considered anything other than a first-class cricket career.
“From U11s I was always playing in the county side, but I really started to take my cricket seriously at about 15,” he added. “I then got on to the emerging players programme and went to Filton College, which is a sports college.”
With Gloucestershire stuttering in the Championship, the presence of Bracey as a regular in the team next term could be just the injection of youthful enthusiasm needed.
However, Bracey, who describes himself as a “traditional player, willing to bat time” and “not too flamboyant” is keen to rein in expectations.
“Next year I want to play regularly for Loughborough and, hopefully, get a few chances with Gloucestershire,” he said. “Let’s take one step at a time.”
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