Bracewell joined Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert as the opposite casually contracted gamers for the 2026-27 season.
“The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this chance at this stage of my profession means quite a bit,” Bracewell, 35, stated. “As a white-ball-only participant, this felt like too good of a chance to go up. I am nonetheless very a lot dedicated to the Blackcaps and might’t wait to be concerned within the upcoming India tour and future white-ball sequence.
“I’ve additionally acquired my eyes firmly mounted on the chance to be concerned within the inaugural NZ20 which is about to be launched from subsequent summer season.”
Kelly, the 33-year-old top-order batter who made his New Zealand debut in March 2025, has 15 worldwide caps, together with two as T20I captain when he crammed in for the injured Tom Latham in Bangladesh earlier this 12 months.
“Introducing gamers like Nick to worldwide cricket a bit later definitely has its benefits when it comes to the participant realizing their sport and having the ability to belief themselves to carry out underneath strain.”
Walter stated that Kelly, who has scored three half-centuries in his final 4 ODIs, deserved his alternative. “Nick caught his hand up together with his performances in opposition to Bangladesh and the West Indies in what was at occasions difficult batting situations,” he stated. “He has greater than 300 skilled matches underneath his belt and is likely one of the greatest fielders within the nation, so he provides quite a bit to our contracted group.”