Michael Bracewell

Biography

Michael Gordon Bracewell, born on February 14, 1991, in Masterton, New Zealand, hails from a family deeply entrenched in cricketing history. He is the nephew of former New Zealand Test players Brendon and John Bracewell, the son of Otago first-class cricketer Mark Bracewell, and the cousin of current international Doug Bracewell and comedian Melanie Bracewell. This rich lineage undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his cricketing aspirations.   

Bracewell, a left-handed batting all-rounder who bowls right-arm off-spin, made his mark in domestic cricket playing for Otago before moving to Wellington. He quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman and a handy spin bowler for the Wellington Firebirds. His domestic form was exceptional, highlighted by a record-breaking 141 not out in the 2021-22 Super Smash tournament, the highest ever T20 score in New Zealand at the time. He also captained Wellington to back-to-back Super Smash titles and a Plunket Shield victory, showcasing his leadership qualities.   

His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the national side, making his international debut for New Zealand in March 2022 in an ODI against the Netherlands. He soon became a regular across all three formats. His Test debut followed in June 2022 against England, and his T20I debut came in July 2022 against Ireland, where he remarkably took a hat-trick in his first over of international T20 cricket.   

Bracewell has already etched his name in New Zealand's cricketing folklore with some memorable performances. In January 2023, he scored the third-fastest ODI century for New Zealand against India, a blistering innings of 140. He also equaled MS Dhoni's record of scoring multiple centuries batting at number seven or lower in ODIs. His versatility as a genuine all-rounder makes him a valuable asset to the Black Caps.   

While an Achilles injury unfortunately ruled him out of the 2023 ODI World Cup, his resilience saw him return to international cricket. In February 2025, he was named in New Zealand's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, signaling his continued importance to the national setup.   

With a solid technique, calm temperament, and the ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Michael Bracewell is proving to be a vital cog in the New Zealand cricket team. Coming from a celebrated cricketing family, he is now carving his niche and looks set to be a key player for the Black Caps in the years to come.