Michael Bracewell to join Worcestershire for T20 Blast

The allrounder has signed up for his first spell in county cricket after breaking into the New Zealand team in 2022, to become the latest Kiwi to move to New Road

Worcestershire have confirmed Michael Bracewell as an overseas player for the T20 Blast.

The New Zealand allrounder, who made his international breakthrough in 2022, is set for his first spell in county cricket.

Bracewell, a middle-order batter and offspinner, was the leading run-scorer in the 2021/22 Super Smash, hitting 478 at 79.66 for Wellington.

He is the latest Kiwi to join Worcestershire in recent years, with Martin Guptill, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi having all turned out for the Rapids in recent campaigns.

^{Bracewell made his debut for New Zealand across all three formats in 2022 - including his Test bow in June (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

"I'm really looking forward to my first experience of the Blast, a competition in which Worcestershire had a lot of success in recent times," the 31-year-old said.

"I've heard a lot of good things about Worcestershire from a lot of New Zealand players who have recently played there, and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to join up with the group next summer."

The move represents the latest chapter in a memorable 2022 for Bracewell. In March, he emulated uncles Brendon and John, and cousin Doug, by representing the Black Caps against Netherlands.

He made his Test debut against England at Trent Bridge before his T20I bow came during the tour of Ireland.

^{Martin Guptill in action for Worcestershire in 2019 (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)}

He was named in the T20 World Cup squad, though didn't feature as New Zealand were beaten in the semi-finals by Pakistan.

"It's always good to have someone of his calibre, but the fact he is a true all-rounder means we are really getting two players," said head coach Alan Richardson, who was installed in November.

"Michael's international white-ball cricket record is outstanding, but he also has a very healthy first-class record and will offer great experience."

Bracewell is the second overseas player to commit to New Road for 2023, with Azhar Ali - who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket - having agreed to return new summer.

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