Doug Bracewell admits cocaine use after Essex County Championship match 2025

Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell tested positive for cocaine after a County Championship match and received a two-year ban.

Player's admission and test details Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has confessed to using cocaine following the first day of Essex's final County Championship match in 2025. The positive test was returned on 25 September, which was the second day of the game against Somerset at Chelmsford. He was officially notified by the Cricket Regulator in November and responded on 8 December, confirming the substance use occurred after the first day of the match and continued into the early hours of the next morning. ## Match performance and retirement During the fixture, Bracewell opened the bowling on day one, taking two wickets as Somerset advanced to 339-6. He did not bat on the second day, and Essex secured victory by seven wickets. Following the notification of his positive test, Bracewell announced his retirement from cricket on 28 December. Despite this, the Cricket Regulator imposed a two-year ban on him. ## International career and past ban Part of a well-known New Zealand cricketing family, Bracewell's uncle John played 28 Tests, and his cousin Michael is a current Black Cap. Doug himself featured in 69 international matches across formats. He had previously served a one-month suspension for cocaine use in 2024. ## Club statement and support A club statement confirmed that Doug Bracewell failed a routine drugs test in September 2025. The statement expressed support for the Cricket Regulator's decision to impose a two-year period of ineligibility, emphasizing that all employees must adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct. While the club does not approve of Bracewell's actions, it pledged to assist him through rehabilitation in line with its policies.