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Bracey Makes Test Debut

6 June 2021

Last week, James Bracey became the first Gloucestershire player to represent England since Jon Lewis featured on India’s Tour of Ireland, England & Scotland in 2007.

Bracey, who had spent the best part of a year within the England ‘bubble’, was handed cap number 698 by fellow Bristolian Marcus Trescothick at Lord’s Cricket Ground ahead of the first match of a two-game Test Series against New Zealand.

Having initially been named in the England matchday squad for the first time in his career, Bracey was hoping to get his chance in the top three but a freak injury to Ben Foakes all but confirmed he kept wicket and batted further down the order.

Bracey’s first official Test dismissal came on the first day, catching Tim Southee off James Anderson for the ninth wicket of New Zealand’s first innings. Two more catches came in the second innings off Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood.

With the bat, James was bowled by Southee for no score as the veteran bowler tore through the England middle order on his way to a six-fer.

The match ended in a draw despite a sporting declaration from New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, largely due a full day’s play being washed out. James and England will get a second bite at the cherry in a few days’ time at Edgbaston.

Bracey first became involved in the England setup when he was included in a 55-man back-to-training group at the end of May 2020 ahead of expected behind-closed-doors matches.

Since then, he has been a reserve for four Test Series against West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.

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