Wellington - New Zealand fast bowler Doug Bracewell apologised on Tuesday for an off-field incident which has left him in doubt for the opening Test against England in Dunedin after he suffered a foot injury.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said Bracewell cut his right foot on some glass in an “unfortunate accident” while cleaning up at his Napier home on Saturday and must pass a fitness test before knowing if he will face England on Wednesday.
New Zealand media reported the accident occurred after a party at Bracewell's house which attracted complaints from neighbours.
Team manager Mike Sandle said he was disappointed in Bracewell, who had brought unwelcome attention on the Black Caps on the eve of the Test.
“We've told Doug that he needs to take responsibility for what happens around him and that he needs to do all he can to ensure his preparation for international cricket is not compromised,” Sandle said.
“Doug is very sorry for any inconvenience he has caused his team-mates and members of the public, and he has apologised to his neighbour in Napier.”
Bracewell, 22, was briefly suspended from the Black Caps last year after becoming involved in an alcohol-fuelled row with a member of the public in a Napier bar following a loss to South Africa.
New Zealand lost both the recently completed one-day and Twenty20 series against England 2-1 and go into the Test series as underdogs. - Sapa-AFP