Bracewell chooses casual contract as BBL opportunity beckons

Experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell has opted for a casual playing contract with New Zealand, relinquishing his place on the central contract list to pursue an opportunity in Australia’s Big Bash League. Left-handed batter Nick Kelly has been promoted to a full-time contract for the first time, replacing Bracewell on the list. Bracewell remains available for New Zealand’s upcoming home white-ball series against India and hopes to add to his 105 international appearances. “The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this opportunity at this stage of my career means a lot,” Bracewell said. “As a white-ball only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up. I’m still very much committed to the Black Caps and can’t wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series.” Bracewell is the latest in a growing group of New Zealand players to choose the casual contract option, following Mark Chapman last month. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert have also previously opted for similar arrangements. New Zealand coach Rob Walter said Kelly had earned his promotion after several strong domestic seasons. “Nick’s been a standout performer in domestic cricket for several seasons now and it’s testament to his hard work that he’s earned this first contract at this stage of his career,” Walter said. “Introducing players like Nick to international cricket a bit later certainly has its advantages in terms of the player knowing their game and being able to trust themselves to perform under pressure.” New Zealand’s centrally contracted players are Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Nick Kelly, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner and Will Young.