Former New Zealand pace-bowling allrounder Doug Bracewell has been handed a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine in a county match last September. The 35-year-old, who later stepped away from international cricket in late December, had already acknowledged using the banned substance around the time of his team’s final Championship outing of the season in September.
Bracewell was playing for Essex against Somerset, a match Essex ultimately won. He admitted that he took cocaine in the hours leading into day two, after claiming two wickets on day one. The positive result was returned on September 25, which was day two of the contest, and he was informed of the outcome the following month.
Even so, the governing bodies overseeing the anti-doping process have proceeded with a two-year period of ineligibility. Essex confirmed the development in a club statement, saying: “Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025.”
The statement added that the club backs the Cricket Regulator’s decision to impose the two-year ban. It also reiterated the standards expected of everyone connected to the organisation: “The club supports the Cricket Regulator’s decision to impose a period of ineligibility of two years. All employees are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct.”
Essex further said it does not excuse Bracewell’s conduct, while emphasising support for his recovery: “While the club does not condone Bracewell’s behaviour, we are committed to supporting him through rehabilitation in line with our policies and procedures,” it added.
Bracewell had only been involved in three matches with Essex, and the club’s involvement has not been the first time he has been registered after serving a sanction. The year before, in 2024, he was handed a one-month ban for the same offence.
At the international level, Bracewell’s career has already been winding down for some time. Although he cannot realistically be a regular fixture for New Zealand after his international retirement, he was part of the setup in and out across his spell from 2011 to 2023. Over that period, he represented the Kiwis in 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20Is, contributing with both bat and ball—he finished with more than 100 wickets and nearly 1,000 runs.
Cricket runs deep in Bracewell’s family. His father Brendon and his uncle John both played Test cricket for New Zealand, while two other uncles—Douglas and Mark—went on to feature in first-class matches. His cousin Michael remains active in international cricket and has represented New Zealand in 100 games to date.
After announcing his retirement, Bracewell reflected on his journey and the opportunities the sport provided. “It’s been a proud part of my life, and something I aspired to as a young cricketer. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had through cricket, and the chance to play for my country, as well as for Central Districts, throughout my domestic career. It’s a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and I’m grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for as long as I have,” he said.
