New Zealand’s all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been banned from cricket for two years for using cocaine, after his admission of its use during Essex’s final County Championship match. On 24 April 2026, the Cricket Regulator ordered the ban. This will be his second conviction for cocaine.
Bracewell has represented New Zealand in 69 tests, one-day internationals and T20s. Bracewell’s last match for Essex came in September 2025, in which he failed his test.
What Happened During the Essex vs Somerset Match
Essex called up Bracewell for their final three 2025 County Championship games. One of which was against Somerset at Chelmsford. He flung down the first day and bowled out two wickets while Somerset made 339-6.
Bracewell took cocaine after the match day. On day two (25 September) his test was positive.
He was not required to bat on day two. Essex won the match by seven wickets.
Bracewell was informed by the Cricket Regulator in November 2025 about the test. Bracewell replied on 8 December, saying he took cocaine after the first day of the match and early in the second day.
Bracewell’s History of Doping Violations
This was Bracewell’s second cocaine ban. Bracewell was banned for a month in 2024 for a positive drug test while playing Super Smash in New Zealand. He was representing the Central Stags when he played the Wellington Firebirds.
That ban was short. This is much longer. It is his second ban, therefore, the Cricket Regulator has imposed a two-year ban, which he has accepted.
There’s one wrinkle in this case. The decision was made as Bracewell was not participating in cricket. He announced his retirement on 28 December 2025, two months after finding out about his positive test. The Regulator still issued the ban.
Bracewell is from a famous Kiwi cricket family. His uncle, John Bracewell, played 28 Tests and was a coach. His cousin Michael Bracewell is in the New Zealand squad.
Essex Response and the Wider Impact
Essex has released a short statement acknowledging the positive test. It said it respects the decision of the Cricket regulator and demands high standards from its players.
Essex will not be penalised. It said it will also rehabilitate Bracewell, as its policy is.
Bracewell has represented at the elite level since 2011 and up until 2023. He took 74 wickets in 28 Tests. In all first-class cricket, he claimed 422 wickets in 137 matches, revealing his long-term domestic bowling success.
He finished up with a positive drug test, a two-year ban and retirement. The Cricket Regulator still handed him a ban, even though he was no longer playing, which shows the process is ongoing even after retirement.
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