Wellington, 05 October (H.S.):

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell will move from New Zealand Cricket’s central contract to a casual playing contract for the 2026-27 season, allowing him to take up an opportunity to play in Australia’s Big Bash League. Bracewell will join Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert on New Zealand’s list of players on casual contracts.

The 35-year-old Bracewell will remain available for the New Zealand national team despite being removed from the central contract list. His place has been taken by Northern Districts batter Nick Kelly, who has received his first New Zealand national contract 11 years after making his first-class debut.

Bracewell said he remained fully committed to New Zealand and was looking forward to featuring in the upcoming five-match T20 International series against India.

“I’m very grateful for the support from New Zealand Cricket in allowing me this opportunity at this stage of my career. As a player who now plays white-ball cricket exclusively, it was an opportunity that was very difficult to turn down. I remain fully committed to the Black Caps and am very excited to be involved in the upcoming tour of India and future white-ball series. I’m also fully focused on the opportunity to play in the inaugural NZ20 competition, which begins next season,” Bracewell said, according to New Zealand Cricket.

Kelly made his international debut in March 2025 and has since played eight ODIs and seven T20 internationals. Earlier this year, he also captained New Zealand in two T20Is against Bangladesh after replacing the injured Tom Latham.

Kelly recently returned from a stint with Leicestershire, where he scored 950 runs across all formats. He also recorded his sixth List A century in the One-Day Cup final against Middlesex.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said Kelly’s consistency in domestic cricket had earned him his national contract. Walter had also coached Kelly during his two seasons with Otago.

“Nick has been among the standout performers in domestic cricket for several seasons, and it is a testament to his hard work that he has earned his first contract at this stage of his career,” Walter said.

He added, “There are certainly some benefits to bringing players like Nick into international cricket a little later. By this stage, a player has a better understanding of his game and can have greater confidence in his ability to perform under pressure.”

Kelly has scored three half-centuries in his last four ODIs. Walter believes his experience will prove valuable to the team.

“Nick has proven himself through his performances even in challenging batting conditions against Bangladesh and the West Indies,” Walter said.

He added, “He has more than 300 professional matches under his belt and is one of the best fielders in the country. He therefore brings a great deal to our contracted player group.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar