Bracewell to return to Gloucestershire

John Bracewell has been coach of New Zealand since he left Gloucestershire

Buy this photo

New Zealand coach John Bracewell will return to Gloucestershire next season as director of cricket.

Bracewell has been in charge of the Black Caps since 2003 but announced he would step down when his contract expires in April.

He steered the county to seven trophies between 1998 and 2003 when Gloucestershire established themselves as domestic one-day powerhouses, capturing a double in 1999 and a treble in 2000.

The 50-year-old, who played 41 Tests and 53 ODIs for New Zealand, also turned his country into one of the world’s best one-day sides.

They reached the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup in West Indies having beaten Australia 3-0 in the build-up to the tournament.

Bracewell said: “After six seasons on the international circuit I am delighted to return to Gloucestershire as my family and I regard this as our second home.

"I have gained great experience from international cricket and hope to invest that in the cricket club.”

Gloucestershire chairman John Light added: “When last with us John Bracewell brought us trophies and promotion to the first division in 2003.

“We are very pleased to welcome him back. The whole club has the will to support him and the appointment of a renowned figure to lead our cricket shows our determination to take Gloucestershire forward. We now have a great opportunity which we must seize.”