Bracewell joined Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Tim Seifert as the other casually contracted players for the 2026-27 season.
“The backing from New Zealand Cricket for me to take this opportunity at this stage of my career means a lot,” Bracewell, 35, said. “As a white-ball-only player, this felt like too good of an opportunity to pass up. I’m still very much committed to the Blackcaps and can’t wait to be involved in the upcoming India tour and future white-ball series.
“I’ve also got my eyes firmly fixed on the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural NZ20 which is set to be introduced from next summer.”
Kelly, the 33-year-old top-order batter who made his New Zealand debut in March 2025, has 15 international caps, including two as T20I captain when he filled in for the injured Tom Latham in Bangladesh earlier this year.
“Introducing players like Nick to international cricket a bit later certainly has its advantages in terms of the player knowing their game and being able to trust themselves to perform under pressure.”
Walter said that Kelly, who has scored three half-centuries in his last four ODIs, deserved his opportunity. “Nick stuck his hand up with his performances against Bangladesh and the West Indies in what was at times challenging batting conditions,” he said. “He has more than 300 professional matches under his belt and is one of the best fielders in the country, so he adds a lot to our contracted group.”