Bracewell signs on for early-season stint with Northamptonshire

New Zealand international will fill in for Rory Kleinveldt during the first month of County Championship cricket in 2018

^{Doug Bracewell will join Northamptonshire in 2018}

Northamptonshire have signed Doug Bracewell as an early-season overseas option for 2018.

Bracewell will fill in for Rory Kleinveldt, who is due to team up with Northants in time for the Royal London One Day Cup campaign, which begins in mid-May.

The 27-year-old - a veteran of 27 Tests for New Zealand - says he is "grateful for the opportunity" at Wantage Road.

Head coach David Ripley said: “We’re delighted to have secured Doug’s services for the first part of the season until Rory is able to join us for the 50 over competition.

^{Bracewell has played 27 Tests for New Zealand}

“He is highly skilled and vastly experienced, with plenty of international experience under his belt, and he will give us the additional firepower we need alongside an already high quality attacking unit.

“His presence will certainly add some competition for places, which is always healthy for the boys. We’re delighted to be getting him over.”

 Bracewell added: “I am very much looking forward to working with the club for the start of the county season. 

“It’s a great opportunity to challenge myself in different conditions and I am hoping to improve as a player but also make a difference at the club while I’m there.”