Doug Bracewell has admitted he used cocaine during a County Championship match while playing for Essex County Cricket Club last year.
The former New Zealand national cricket team all rounder returned a positive test on 25 September. The test came on the second day of Essex’s match against Somerset County Cricket Club in Chelmsford.
Bracewell later confirmed to the Cricket Regulator that he had taken cocaine after the first day of the game. He said he used it late that night and into the early hours of the next morning.
He had joined Essex for the final three matches of the season. In that match, he opened the bowling on day one and took two wickets as Somerset reached 339 for six. He did not bat on day two. Essex went on to win the match by seven wickets.
The regulator informed him of the failed test in November. He replied on 8 December and admitted the offence.
Bracewell retired from cricket on 28 December. He has been given a two year ban by the regulator, even after stepping away from the game.
He comes from a well known cricket family. His uncle John Bracewell played 28 Tests. His cousin Michael Bracewell is part of the current national side. Doug played 69 matches for New Zealand across formats.
This is not his first offence. He also served a one month ban for cocaine use in 2024.
Bracewell has accepted the punishment. Essex will not face any action.
“Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025,” the club said in a statement.
“The club supports the Cricket Regulator’s decision to impose a period of ineligibility of two years. All employees are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct.
“While the club does not condone Bracewell’s behaviour, we are committed to supporting him through rehabilitation in line with our policies and procedures.”
