Doug Bracewell, the former New Zealand all-rounder, has confessed to using cocaine after the first day of Essex's final County Championship match last September. The positive test, returned on the second day of the match against Somerset at Chelmsford, led to his retirement from cricket in December.
Bracewell, who had signed with Essex for the season's last three matches, opened the bowling on day one, taking two wickets as Somerset reached 339-6. He did not bat on day two, and Essex won by seven wickets. After being notified of the failed test in November, Bracewell responded in December, admitting he had used cocaine after the first day's play, into the early hours of the following morning.
A member of New Zealand's cricketing royalty—his uncle John Bracewell played 28 Tests and cousin Michael is a current Black Cap—Doug Bracewell appeared in 69 internationals across all formats. He had previously served a one-month ban for cocaine use in 2024.
Despite his retirement, the Cricket Regulator imposed a two-year ban, which Bracewell has accepted. Essex will face no sanctions. In a statement, the club said it supports the regulator's decision and emphasized its commitment to high professional standards, while also pledging to support Bracewell through rehabilitation.