Michael Bracewell Takes Casual NZ Contract to Chase Big Bash Opportunity

The Bracewell casual contract switch is confirmed: New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has given up his central contract in favour of a casual playing arrangement, freeing him to pursue an opportunity in Australia’s Big Bash League.

The Bracewell casual contract decision sees the 35-year-old leave the central contract list, with left-handed batter Nick Kelly promoted to a full-time deal for the first time as his replacement.

Bracewell remains available for New Zealand selection and hopes to feature in the Black Caps’ upcoming home white-ball series against India. He has 105 international appearances to his name.

The Bracewell casual contract: why he chose it

“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 route, following Mark Chapman last month. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert have all previously taken similar arrangements, underlining the pull of franchise leagues over national board deals.

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 contracted players

New Zealand’s centrally contracted players are now 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.

Why did Bracewell give up his central contract?

To take up an opportunity in Australia’s Big Bash League, which a full New Zealand central contract would have restricted.

Can he still play for New Zealand?

Yes. The casual contract keeps him available for selection, and he hopes to play the home white-ball series against India.

Who replaced him on the contract list?

Left-handed batter Nick Kelly, who earned a full-time New Zealand contract for the first time.