Former New Zealand Test cricketer Doug Bracewell has been handed a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine during a County Championship match last year. The 35-year-old allrounder, who abruptly retired from international cricket in December 2024, failed an in-competition drugs test on September 25, 2025, while playing for Essex against Somerset.
Details of the Ban
The Cricket Regulator, a body within the England and Wales Cricket Board, issued a statement revealing that Bracewell had accepted the sanction. The regulator said: “Bracewell and his former County are aware and the player has accepted the sanction. No further comment will be made on this matter.”
According to the final report, Bracewell admitted to using cocaine “during a period of several hours” on September 24 and into the early hours of September 25. He was tested on the second day of the match.
Bracewell’s Cricket Pedigree
The Bracewell family is cricket royalty in New Zealand. Doug’s uncle, John Bracewell, played 41 Tests for the Black Caps in the 1980s and was the second Kiwi to achieve the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in Test cricket. His father, Brendon Bracewell, also represented New Zealand in Tests, and another uncle, Douglas Bracewell, was a first-class cricketer. Doug’s cousin Michael Bracewell made his Test debut in 2022 and remains a member of the national team.
Outside of cricket, the Bracewell name is well known in Australia through Melanie Bracewell, another cousin, who is a popular comedian and host of the TV show The Cheap Seats.
Previous Offence
This is not the first time Bracewell has been involved with cocaine. In 2024, he received a one-month ban for the same substance. After the latest incident, Essex released a statement saying they would support Bracewell through rehabilitation.
“Essex can confirm that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025,” the club said. “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.”
