Cricket: Welcome for young guns

Doug Bracewell of New Zealand celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of Nathan Lyon of Australia. Photo / Getty

The victorious New Zealand cricket team arrives at Auckland Airport tonight for what supporters hope will be the start of a golden summer.

Coach John Wright and batsman Dean Brownlie landed in Auckland late last night, with the rest of the team arriving over two flights tonight.

They are set to receive a welcome more recently associated with New Zealand's winter code after claiming a historic test victory over Australia in Hobart on Monday.

At the centre of the attention will be 21-year-old fast bowler Doug Bracewell, who ripped apart Australia's second innings when he captured six wickets for just 40 runs.

The figures sealed the match for New Zealand and have made Bracewell the name on the lips of cricket fans here and the world over.

But proud father Brendon - who played six tests for New Zealand - said the attention wouldn't faze his son on his return to Napier.

"He's a very laid back young guy. He doesn't say much. He's a humble dude, Doug. He'll just enjoy the moment and life goes on."

That easy-going nature was evidenced when he spoke to his son on the phone after the test match.

"He just said, 'Choice as, eh dad'. I said, 'Yeah, too right, mate'."

Bracewell snr said his son - the baby of the family with two older sisters and a brother - enjoyed a round of golf with flatmates and bodysurfing when not playing cricket. And a girlfriend?

"Nah, nah. He's not into relationships at this stage."

Bracewell senior, who runs a cricketing academy, said his son was one of an exciting crop of young cricketers set to shape the sport in New Zealand.

"It's going into a new era with the cricketers. Because there are so many guys around Doug's age who are really, really promising and sharp cricketers, and good gutsy buggers as well."