Cricket: Bracewell tipped to emerge as top allrounder

Doug Bracewell bowls during a Black Caps training session at The Gabba ahead of today's first test against Australia. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor expects test tyro Doug Bracewell to become one of the world's best allrounders.

Bracewell, son of former test fast bowler Brendon and nephew of player and former national coach John, made his test debut in Zimbabwe a few weeks ago, taking five second innings wickets to help bowl New Zealand to a 34-run victory at Bulawayo.

Against Australia A last week he again put in a strong display with the ball, taking four wickets, having earlier cracked a run-a-ball unbeaten 73.

"He's an exciting young talent, he's only 21 and I'm sure in the years to come he'll become one of the best allrounders in the world," Taylor said.

He had seen his development as a Central Districts' teammate and has been impressed. "It's nice to see him grow as a person. He thinks about his bowling a lot more than I thought he did a couple of years ago, and that's impressive in a youngster."

Taylor expects Bracewell will relish the bouncy Gabba pitch far more than the slow, low Bulawayo strip where he made his first international statement.

Senior New Zealand seamer Chris Martin has been similarly impressed.

"He doesn't seem to get fazed by too much, seems able to live in the moment," Martin said.

"Perhaps it's a youthful thing, but I can't imagine myself washing away a few bad overs with such ease as he has.

"The no fear attitude is a side of youth I quite like watching."

Martin, with 202 test wickets and preparing for his 63rd test today, reckons Bracewell has quickly given off the impression that he's been around far longer than a few weeks in the national side.

"He's definitely not out of place," Martin said. "He's had a nice, solid start and probably makes him more at ease in the changing room. It also makes everyone accept and welcome a guy who is going to contribute that much."