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55 Overs: Michael Bracewell Sets 21st Century Record For NZ In Marathon Spell
Follow UsHowever, he managed to pick up just a solitary wicket
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell today (December 6) registered a 21st-century record for the Blackcaps, delivering 55 overs - the most by a New Zealand bowler in the fourth innings of a Test since 2000.
It’s the second-most by a New Zealander in the fourth innings ever, with Daniel Vettori’s 57 overs against England at the same venue, Christchurch, in 1997, being the highest.
Most overs by a New Zealand bowler in the 4th innings of a Test
57.0 - Daniel Vettori vs ENG in Christchurch, 1996
55.0 - Michael Bracewell vs WI in Christchurch, 2025
52.0 - Jack Alabaster vs SA in Gqeberha, 1962
51.0 - Daniel Vettori vs SL in Colombo, 1998
In fact, in the last 25 years, there have only been two instances of a bowler sending down more overs in the fourth innings of a Test. Both those efforts, however, came in the subcontinent, unlike Bracewell’s.
Most overs in the 4th innings of a Test (since 2000)
56.2 - Prabath Jayasuriya vs PAK in Galle, 2022
56.0 - Muttiah Muralitharan vs ENG in Kandy, 2003
55.0 - Michael Bracewell vs WI in Christchurch, 2025
55.0 - Nathan Lyon vs PAK in Karachi, 2022
Bracewell only bowled two overs in West Indies’ first innings, but he had to be called into action after two New Zealand seamers - Matt Henry and Nathan Smith - went off injured. While Smith was unable to bowl in the fourth innings, Henry sent down just 11 overs.
Bracewell managed to strike just once in the 55 overs he bowled, and it meant that West Indies secured a famous draw, remarkably batting out 163.3 overs.