Cricket: Bracewell apologises for behaviour

New Zealand Cricket has reminded fast bowler Doug Bracewell of his obligations and responsibilities as a contracted player on the eve of the opening ANZ Test against England in Dunedin.

Bracewell is in doubt for the first test starting tomorrow when he cut his right foot on some glass on Saturday morning while cleaning up after a party at his Napier home.

Neighbours reportedly complained about a party at Bracewell's home getting rowdy and that it wasn't uncommon for parties to be held at Bracewell's house.

Black Caps manager Mike Sandle said he spoke with Bracewell yesterday afternoon and expressed his disappointment that he has put himself in doubt for the test in Dunedin and that concerns about events at his home in recent weeks have brought unwelcome attention to the team just days out from a 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 teammates and members of the public, and he has apologised to his neighbour in Napier.''

Sandle has worked closely with New Zealand Cricket Players' Association chief executive Heath Mills on the matter. Mills said his organisation recognises the risks for young players.

"We want to ensure that incidents like this are not repeated and that we provide ongoing support for young players to ensure they are meeting all their obligations and responsibilities,'' Mills said.

It's not the first time Bracewell has come under the spotlight for disciplinary reasons. Bracewell and Jesse Ryder were suspended for one match last year for breaking team protocols around drinking when injured and the pair were also involved in a tussle with a member of the public in a Napier bar.

Captain Brendon McCullum told RadioSport today that too much has been made of how Bracewell got injured.

"By all accounts it's a bit of a mountain out a molehill in terms of extra curricular activities and it was just a straight up accident and unfortunately Doug's now still in doubt for this test match.

"We've sort of been targeting this test series as a real opportunity to finish the New Zealand summer strongly and I guess now this test match, he's a very real possibility of having to miss out, but he should be okay for the remaining two.''

A decision on whether Bracewell is fit to play will be made after today's training at Dunedin's University Oval. Ian Butler will train with the side today as cover for Bracewell.

additional reporting Newstalk ZB