Cricket: Bracewell knocking on door of higher honours

Michael Bracewell practises in the nets at Tonga Park in preparation for today's game against...
Michael Bracewell practises in the nets at Tonga Park in preparation for today's game against Wellington at the Basin Reserve. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
How long will it be before another Bracewell plays for New Zealand?

Perhaps as long as it takes the ball to reach the boundary when it speeds from his bat.

Otago top-order batsman Michael Bracewell has been in cracking form during the past 18 months and it seems only a matter of time before he becomes the fourth member of his family to play international cricket.

His uncles, John and Brendon Bracewell, both played cricket for their country, and cousin Doug - Brendon's son - took three for 93 and two for 25 to help the Black Caps defeat Sri Lanka in the second test earlier this week.

Michael has played for New Zealand at age-group level and a standout season last summer has resulted in his stocks rising considerably.

He scored four first-class hundreds in what was a coming of age for the powerful 23-year-old left-hander.

With a hulking 1.89m,100kg frame, the man nicknamed ''Beast'' would not look out of place in a Highlanders jersey.

His power is a potent asset but not always an ally. When combined with haste, it has led to his downfall but, with more patience, Bracewell has developed into a far more formidable player.

He has continued his wonderful first-class form this summer with 332 runs at an average of 55.33 and has played two punishing innings in the one-day competition.

He crunched 83 from 48 balls in the five-wicket win over Northern Districts on Sunday and also scored 98 against the same opponent in Alexandra.

The problem for Bracewell is New Zealand has a rather handy No 3 in Kane Williamson.

He has the spot locked in for eternity, and Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum are not going to shift, either.

That begs the question whether Bracewell will switch from No 3 and open the batting for Otago to push his claim for higher honours.

''The way that I look at it is if you score runs, then you will get the selectors looking at you,'' Bracewell said.

''I don't really like to think about batting in a position just to impress the selectors. I just want to go about my business and at the moment No 3 is the best for the team.''

Bracewell has opened in the past and also had stints further down the order. But the move to No 3 suits him.

He does not get particularly nervous waiting to bat and has a routine where he stretches every five overs to keep the body moving.

''I used to get nervous. But once you've batted there [No 3] a few times and been in during all the sorts of situations you can come in to, you relax a wee bit, I guess.''

Otago has won three of its first four one-day games and is well-placed to make the playoffs.

The Volts play Wellington at the Basin Reserve today. Strangely, Wellington is winless despite boasting one of the more experienced units in the tournament.

The Volts, by contrast, have been down on experience compared with previous seasons, and the Black Caps' busy international schedule has robbed the side of some key personnel.

Test players Hamish Rutherford and Mark Craig return following the 2-0 win against Sri Lanka to bolster the side. And all-rounder Jimmy Neesham will play his first game for Otago this summer after missing out on the World Cup squad.

Spinner Nathan McCullum joins brother Brendon McCullum in the Black Caps' camp, while Wellington will be without World Cup squad members Grant Elliott and Luke Ronchi.

Seamer Mark Gillespie and spinner Jeetan Patel are also unavailable for the Firebirds, due to injury.

Bracewell believes the key to Otago's one-day success to date has been its ability to execute its bowling plans and save runs in the field.

''I think our bowling unit has done really well and we've stuck to our plans really well. In one-day cricket, when there are a lot of runs being scored around the country, if you can save 20 runs in the field, it goes a long way towards winning the match.''

Otago's openers have also set some marvellous platforms.

Makeshift opener Sam Wells has been in terrific form and Aaron Redmond has also been steady.

That base has allowed Bracewell to flourish. He has whacked 185 runs in four games at an impressive strike rate of 136.02.

He rates his 83 off 48 balls as one of his better performances in one-day cricket.

It is the sort of form which could earn him a spot on the Black Caps' tour of the United Kingdom later this year.

Otago A was well-beaten by Canterbury A in men's provincial A twenty20 match in Lincoln yesterday.

Canterbury posted a demanding 204 for three and then dismissed Otago for a paltry 73.

Sean Eathorne top-scored for Otago with 27 and Nick Beard made 23.

Add a Comment

OUTSTREAM