Worcestershire sign Kiwi Bracewell for T20 Blast

Worcestershire have signed New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell, the nephew of ex-Gloucestershire coach John Bracewell, for this summer’s T20 Blast.

He has made 13 T20I and 13 ODI appearances, as well as having two Test caps.

He is the fourth member of the same family to represent his country, having followed uncles John, Brendon and cousin Doug.

“It’s always good to have someone of his calibre,” said Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson. “But the fact he is a true all-rounder means we are really getting two players.

“Michael’s international white-ball cricket record is outstanding, but he also has a very healthy first-class record and will offer great experience.”

Bracewell, who also bowls off spin, was the leading run scorer in the 2021-2022 Super Smash T20 in New Zealand, hitting 478 runs at an average of 79.66 for Wellington.

He adds to the growing list of New Zealand internationals – Colin Munro, Martin Guptill, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi – who have played for Worcestershire in recent seasons.

Worcestershire, Blast winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2019, have plans to bring in a second T20 overseas signing for 2023.

Azhar Ali’s final Test appearance

The Pears’ other overseas signing for next season is Pakistan Test opener Azhar Ali, who is to return to New Road for a second summer in 2023.

Azhar, 37, is currently playing in his final Test match against England in Karachi, making 45 and a second-innings fourth-ball duck, having announced his decision to retire earlier in the week.

Having made 7,142 runs at an average of 42.51, he is one of only five Pakistan players to score 7,000 Test runs for his country after Younis Khan (10,099), Javed Miandad (8,832), Inzamam-ul-Haq (8,829) and Mohammad Yousuf (7,530).

After being originally signed by the Pears as a replacement for the unavailable Matthew Wade, the former Somerset right-hander proved a success at New Road, making 656 runs in 11 Championship matches at 41.00, as well as 185 in six One-Day Cup games.

“We benefitted hugely last year from having him at Worcester,” said new Pears head coach Alan Richardson. “We look forward to him having another positive impact in 2023.

“It is a real reflection of him, not just as a player but as a person, that he has been such an invaluable part of the Pakistan squad. To play at the highest level for so long, he’s shown an amazing amount of consistency.

“He has got a lot of characteristics that have made him successful. To come out in the first Test, after damaging his finger, and play the way he did, showed real character.”