Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has admitted utilizing cocaine after the primary day of Essex’s closing County Championship match final yr.
Bracewell returned the optimistic take a look at on 25 September – the second day of the match towards Somerset at Chelmsford.
He was notified by the Cricket Regulator in November and responded on 8 December, confirming he had used cocaine after the primary day of the fixture, into the early hours of the next morning.
Bracewell, who signed for Essex for the ultimate three Championship matches of the season, opened the bowling on day one, claiming two wickets as Somerset moved to 339-6. He was not required to bat on day two and Essex finally gained the match by seven wickets.
After being notified of the optimistic take a look at, Bracewell then retired from cricket on 28 December. The Regulator has nonetheless issued him with a two-year ban.
A part of a well-known New Zealand cricketing household – his uncle John Bracewell performed 28 Exams and cousin Michael is a present Black Cap – Doug performed 69 worldwide matches throughout codecs.
He additionally beforehand served a one-month ban for cocaine use in 2024.
Bracewell has accepted the sanction, whereas Essex won’t face punishment.
“Essex can affirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine medicine take a look at in September 2025,” stated a membership assertion.
“The membership helps the Cricket Regulator’s determination to impose a interval of ineligibility of two years. All staff are required to fulfill the best requirements {of professional} conduct.
“Whereas the membership doesn’t condone Bracewell’s behaviour, we’re dedicated to supporting him by way of rehabilitation in keeping with our insurance policies and procedures.”
