NZ vs WI: Doug Bracewell reveals it was tough journey; excels on his ODI return

The 27-year-old New Zealand fast bowler Doug Bracewell remarked it was indeed a tough road, but went on to express his satisfaction with the way he has yielded the desired results for his side in Whangarei against Windies after returning to the national fold.

“It’s been a tough ride back, but Good to be back in the mix and among this bunch of guys,” Bracewell told during the post-match presentation when he was announced Man of the Match.

It’s pertinent to mention that, the 27-year-old Tauranga-born fast bowler Bracewell played an imperative role in Kiwis five-wicket win over Windies with four overs to spare.

Following the successful comeback, Bracewell is hopeful to continue giving his hundred percent.

”I’m not going to lie it was pretty tough, it was quite sore but I managed to get through,” Bracewell observed as he was quoted by NZ Herald.

It’s important to point out that Bracewell was nursing the left knee injury before training it hard with his state-side Central District

”It has improved a hell of a lot in the last couple of weeks so there are positive signs there,” Bracewell stated.

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Much-improved Bracewell claimed two wickets in his first over when he dismissed opening batsman Chris Gayle before forcing wicket-keeper batsman which further saw his bowling figures of four for 55 in eight overs.

“Was nice to get Chris (Gayle) off the first ball. Really good to be back and be among the wickets. It was a nice start,” Bracewell maintained.

After being marred by the drunk and drive case, Bracewell reiterated he had put a lot of effort behind his return while adding he sweated out to impress the selectors.

“I’ve done a lot of hard work with the rehab and all. It’s been a bit niggle still but I’m toiling,” Bracewell asserted.

Interestingly, Bracewell replaced for the limited overs series last week when all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme flew to Zimbabwe after his father Laurence de Grandhomme passed away at the age of 61.

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In October 2016, Bracewell featured in the last ODI against India. The promising bowling prospect remarked he is happy to see players and teammates backing him while reiterating he has shaped up well, following the rehabilitation programme.

”It was exciting but I’ve been around this group a while. It’s just good to be back when the team is going well. The guys were all encouraging and gave me that belief,” Bracewell concluded.

Bracewell bagged 14 wickets in the Plunket Shield 2017-18 which further saw him smashing 245 runs owing to his batting abilities before the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) asked him to join the national side.

Considering to work more on his bowling with little over expensive, Bracewell has played 15 ODIs for New Zealand in which he claimed 22 wickets at an average of 29.45.

After making his international appearance on October 15, in 2011, Bracewell claimed the four-wicket haul for the first time which saw he sent down 764 deliveries.

New Zealand is leading the three-match ODI series 1-0 with second ODI slated for December 23 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.