• England in New Zealand 2012-13

Bracewell ruled out of first England Test

ESPNcricinfo staff
March 4, 2013
Doug Bracewell cut his foot cleaning up glass and could miss the first Test © Getty Images
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Doug Bracewell has been ruled out of the first Test against England due to the foot injury he sustained while cleaning up glass after a party at his home in Napier.

Bracewell did not attend New Zealand's final training session at University Oval on Tuesday and New Zealand Cricket confirmed he would not be available for selection. It means that Ian Butler, the Otago seamer, could be in line for his first Test appearance in more than eight years.

Earlier, Bracewell apologised for his behaviour and its impact on his team-mates. He would have been a certain starter in the Test match.

A media release from New Zealand Cricket referred to the incident as "unfortunate" and stated that Bracewell had been "reminded of his obligations and responsibilities as a NZC contracted player".

"We've told Doug that he needs to take responsibility for what happens around him and that he needs to do all he can to ensure his preparation for international cricket is not compromised," Mike Sandle, the New Zealand team manager, said. "Doug is very sorry for any inconvenience he has caused his team-mates and members of the public and he has apologised to his neighbour in Napier."

New Zealand Cricket Players' Association chief executive Heath Mills was involved in Sandle's discussions with Bracewell, who was dropped from the one-day squad in 2012 for breaking team protocol.

"We want to ensure that incidents like this are not repeated and that we provide ongoing support for young players to ensure they are meeting all their obligations and responsibilities," Mills said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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