Wagner had left the field late in the third session on day three, feeling serious discomfort in his back and leg. The exact nature of his injury has not been ascertained, but Wagner failed a fitness Test before play on day four on Sunday, and he may struggle to be fit for the second Test, which begins on Friday.
“Doug is a skilful bowler who has been in strong form for the Central Stags across formats this season,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “We believe his skills will complement the rest of the bowlers we have in the group going into the next Test.”
In addition to the three fast bowlers still playing the first Test – Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Blair Tickner – New Zealand also have right-armer Scott Kuggeleijn in the squad. Where Kuggeleijn only made his Test debut last month, Bracewell brings substantially more experience, having played 27 Tests where he has bagged 72 wickets.