Michael Bracewell moves to casual NZC contract to pursue big bash opportunity

BLACKCAPS all-rounder Michael Bracewell will move to a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the 2026-27 season to pursue an opportunity in Australia’s Big Bash League.

According to a report by NZC, the 35-year-old will be replaced on NZC’s central contract list by Northern Districts batter Nick Kelly, who earns his first national contract 11 years after making his First-Class debut.

Kelly, 33, made his BLACKCAPS debut in March 2025 and has since represented New Zealand 15 times across formats, including eight ODIs and seven T20Is. He also served as T20I captain for two matches in Bangladesh earlier this year while Tom Latham was injured.

Bracewell said he was pleased to remain available for New Zealand and was looking forward to the upcoming five-match T20I series against India.

“The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this opportunity at this stage of my career means a lot,” he said, as quoted by NZC.

“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 BLACKCAPS and can’t wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series.

“I’ve also got my eyes firmly fixed on the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural NZ20 which is set to be introduced from next summer", NZC has quoted.

Kelly joins the central contract list after an impressive spell with Leicestershire, where he scored 950 runs across all formats. His recent performances included his sixth List A century in the Metro Bank One Day Cup final against Middlesex.

BLACKCAPS Head Coach Rob Walter, who coached Kelly for two seasons at Otago, welcomed his inclusion in the contracted group.

“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," he said, NZC has quoted.

“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,” as quoted by NZC.

Walter said Kelly had earned his opportunity through his recent performances.

“Nick stuck his hand up with his performances against Bangladesh and the West Indies in what was at times challenging batting conditions.

“He has more than 300 professional matches under his belt and is one of the best fielders in the country, so he adds a lot to our contracted group,” NZC has quoted.

Bracewell will join Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert as the other casually contracted players for the 2026-27 season.