Bracewell delighted by surprise Test recall

Cricket365
January 4, 2015

New Zealand fast bowler Doug Bracewell had not played a Test for the Black Caps since October 2013, so was pleasantly surprised when he was given the nod to play in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Wellington.

Bracewell was only expected to play if Tim Southee failed his fitness Test, and when the senior paceman was deemed good to go, Bracewell prepared himself to carry the drinks. But he was told to get his kit on, and took three wickets to boot.

He said: "Yeah it was a little bit (surprising). We got here and Tim was fit so I thought they would keep the same team but he gave me the tap on the shoulder and told me I was playing so I was very happy."

He added: "I have been out of the mix for over a year so there was a little bit of pressure on myself.

"I was a little bit nervous but at the same time excited and looking forward to taking the opportunity.

"I was just told to do what I've been doing and that's what I do. I just stick to what I'm good at and keep it pretty simple."

The first day of the match saw 15 wickets fall, as the Kiwis were all out for 221, and then reduced Sri Lanka to 78 for five. Bracewell hoped the deck continued to assist the pacemen on the weekend.

He said: "I think it's the sort of wicket if you bowl badly you can get punished but if you stay disciplined and hit good areas and stay patient then you'll get rewarded.

"To get three wickets at the end of the day is a pretty good feeling, not quite how I planned to get them but I guess as a bowler you take the luck when you get it.

"It's nice to have three and them five down and obviously its another big day tomorrow… and we will look to finish off those wickets."