Bracewell Used Cocaine After Day's County Championship Play

Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has admitted utilizing cocaine aft nan first time of Essex's last County Championship lucifer past year.

Bracewell returned nan affirmative trial connected 25 September - nan 2nd time of nan lucifer against Somerset astatine Chelmsford.

He was notified by nan Cricket Regulator successful November and responded connected 8 December, confirming he had utilized cocaine aft nan first time of nan fixture, into nan early hours of nan pursuing morning.

Bracewell, who signed for Essex for nan last 3 Championship matches of nan season, opened nan bowling connected time one, claiming 2 wickets arsenic Somerset moved to 339-6. He was not required to bat connected time 2 and Essex yet won nan lucifer by 7 wickets.

After being notified of nan affirmative test, Bracewell past retired from cricket connected 28 December. The Regulator has still issued him pinch a two-year ban.

Part of a celebrated New Zealand cricketing family – his uncle John Bracewell played 28 Tests and relative Michael is simply a existent Black Cap – Doug played 69 world matches crossed formats.

He besides antecedently served a one-month prohibition for cocaine usage successful 2024.

Bracewell has accepted nan sanction, while Essex will not look punishment.

"Essex tin corroborate that Doug Bracewell grounded a regular narcotics trial successful September 2025," said a nine statement.

"The nine supports nan Cricket Regulator's determination to enforce a play of ineligibility of 2 years. All labor are required to meet nan highest standards of master conduct.

"While nan nine does not condone Bracewell's behaviour, we are committed to supporting him done rehabilitation successful statement pinch our policies and procedures."