Early Life and Family Background
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Michael Gordon Bracewell was born on 14 February 1991 in Masterton, New Zealand. He grew up in a family deeply connected to cricket, with his father Mark Bracewell and uncles Brendon, John, and Douglas Bracewell, all being former cricketers. His cousin Doug Bracewell is also a well-known cricketer, and his cousin Melanie Bracewell is a comedian, actress, and scriptwriter.
Michael spent his early years in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he developed a passion for cricket. He attended Massey University and earned a Bachelor of Business in Finance between 2015 and 2018.
Physical Attributes and Personal Life
Standing at 175 cm (5’9”), Michael has striking black eyes and hair. He sports a tattoo on his waist, adding a personal touch to his appearance. He is married to Lauren Ralston Bracewell, and they have a son named Lennox. Michael values his family greatly, often crediting his father’s advice as pivotal in his cricketing journey.
Cricket Career Beginnings
Michael made his debut for the Otago cricket team in 2011, marking the start of his professional career. He later moved to the Wellington cricket team in 2017, where he took on the role of captain. His leadership skills were evident as he guided the team with both bat and ball.
International Cricket Debut
Michael’s international career kicked off in March 2022, making his ODI debut against the Netherlands. He followed this with his Test debut against England in June 2022 and his T20 debut against Ireland in July 2022. His jersey number for New Zealand is #4, and he has consistently impressed with his left-hand batting and right-arm off-break bowling.
Notable Records and Achievements
Michael Bracewell has several notable records to his name. On 18 January 2023, he scored 140 runs in an ODI against India, setting the record for the highest partnership for the seventh wicket with 162 runs. He also holds the record for the best strike rate in an innings (1.6) against Ireland on 20 July 2022.
In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League (2020-2023), Michael amassed 250 runs and took 10 wickets. His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted when he scored the third-fastest century for New Zealand in an ODI match against India in 2023.
Domestic Career Highlights
Michael’s domestic career is equally impressive. He made significant contributions to the Wellington Firebirds, scoring 141 runs in a Twenty20 cricket match, the highest score in a T20 match in New Zealand. In the 2019-20 Plunket Shield season, he took his maiden five-wicket haul in round six.
In June 2018, Michael was offered a contract with the Wellington Firebirds for the 2018-2019 season. He continued to excel, leading to another contract offer ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Career in Indian Premier League (IPL)
In 2023, Michael Bracewell was chosen by Royal Challengers Bangalore as a replacement for Will Jacks in the IPL. He was bought for Rs. 1 Crore, marking his entry into one of the most prestigious T20 leagues in the world.
Memorable Performances and Challenges
Michael has had several memorable performances, including his century against Ireland in July 2022, where he hit 127 runs and led New Zealand to victory. In another match against Sri Lanka in 2023, he surprised everyone with his bowling when the wind caused the ball to change direction mid-air.
However, not all moments were positive. In a test match against England in February 2023, his casual play led to a wicket, drawing criticism from fans and commentators alike.
Coaching and Corporate Career
Apart from his cricketing career, Michael holds a Level 2 Coaching Certificate from the New Zealand Cricket Association, issued in January 2010. He also ventured into the corporate world, working as a Corporate Actions Analyst at FNZ Group from May 2019 to June 2021 and later as an Accounts Assistant at Flux Federation until February 2022.
Personal Insights and Future Prospects
Michael often talks about the influence of T20 cricket on the one-day format. His adaptability and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset to any team. Despite the ups and downs, Michael remains a crucial player for New Zealand, with a bright future ahead.
Key Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| ODI Debut | 29 March 2022 vs Netherlands |
| Test Debut | 10 June 2022 vs England |
| T20 Debut | 18 July 2022 vs Ireland |
| Highest Score | 141 runs in T20 (New Zealand record) |
| IPL Contract | Royal Challengers Bangalore, 2023 |
| Notable Records | Third-fastest century for New Zealand in ODI |
Personal Life Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 14 February 1991 |
| Marital Status | Married to Lauren Ralston Bracewell |
| Children | Son – Lennox |
| Family | Father – Mark Bracewell, Cousin – Doug Bracewell |
Michael Bracewell’s journey from a cricket-loving child to a key player for New Zealand is inspiring. His records, leadership skills, and dedication to the game have made him a notable figure in the cricketing world. His future prospects in both domestic and international cricket look promising.
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