Bracewell's Career Best, Forged in Flames

By Subas Humagain

Michael Bracewell produced the best bowling figures of his T20 career against Edinburgh Castle Rockers, finishing with 5 for 12. The magical spell delivered by the Kiwi allrounder was built on a season of steady work for Amsterdam Flames.

Bracewell has been a key part of the Flames' bowling attack throughout the campaign, giving captain Scott Edwards control and variety through the middle overs. Bracewell has taken 13 wickets at a standout economy of 6.2 runs per over this season, picking up at least one in each of his last five matches.

Against Edinburgh, that consistency turned into his best performance yet. Edinburgh were unbeaten in the tournament coming into this match and were cruising at 75 for 2 when Bracewell was brought into the attack. He struck twice in his very first over, bamboozling set batter McMullen with a ripper, the ball missing the bat and pad entirely as Captain Scott Edwards completed the stumping. Gous then chipped the ball straight back to Bracewell to complete a double-wicket over.

In the next over, Laurie Evans tried to hit one against Bracewell but ended up getting caught. Delany was the fourth victim in the next over, failing to read the turn as the ball hit the stumps. On the fifth ball of Bracewell's final over, Andrew Tye hit one straight to Steve Smith, completing his maiden five-wicket haul.

Speaking afterwards, Bracewell credited the conditions for giving him the opportunity to attack.

"Well, I think when you see the ball spinning a little bit, I think the first ball I tried to spin, it went down the leg side and got stumped there. So when you see it turning like that, you know the conditions are in your favour, and you've got to make it count. I'm always trying to put stuff on the ball, and sometimes the conditions aren't as conducive, and it's a little bit harder as a spinner, but yeah, it was nice today to get a pitch that turned a little bit, and fortunately enough, I was able to put it in a decent area."

He also pointed to the role his captain and wicketkeeper played behind the stumps.

"Yeah, he's a fantastic leader in the side, and was keeping really well. So yeah, it's great to have him in our team, and he really runs the angles and things really nicely as well. So, a huge asset to have."

Captain Edwards was equally full of praise for his spinner.

"No, he's a pretty experienced campaigner. You know, he's really good with that, all the fields and those sort of things, he's all over. So, yeah, I thought he bowled brilliantly and really got us into the game there."

For a Flames side that has leaned heavily on its spin department this season, Bracewell's performance was a reminder of the value he adds as an overseas player.

And for Bracewell, the Flames connection will be a lasting one. Not only has he achieved his first five-wicket haul in Flames' colours, his career-best figures will also always be tied to this club.