Virender Sehwag, known for his aggressive batting style and unique approach to cricket, had a formidable opponent in Nathan Bracken, the left-arm fast bowler from Australia. Bracken’s exceptional bowling skills earned him a noteworthy reputation, and during his career, he was recognized for his capability to unsettle some of the best batsmen in the world, including Sehwag. Interestingly, Bracken was offered a lucrative contract by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but he chose to decline the offer. Today, Bracken finds himself in a very different role, working as an account manager in a company based in Sydney.
Bracken’s International Cricket Journey
Nathan Bracken, now 46 years old, has been away from international cricket for more than a decade. He played his last match for Australia in 2009 and made significant contributions across all formats—Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s. Over his career, Bracken claimed over 200 international wickets, with his 174 wickets in ODIs from 116 matches standing out as a testament to his bowling prowess.
Turning Down the IPL Offer
Bracken had announced his retirement from professional cricket in 2011 due to a knee injury. Following his retirement, RCB made a considerable investment, attempting to secure Bracken for the IPL team, spending approximately ₹1.3 crores (around $200,000). However, the left-arm fast bowler opted to reject the contract, making his decision not to participate in the league surprising to many fans and cricket analysts.
Today’s Professional Life
Fast forward to the present day, Nathan Bracken has settled into a new phase of life. He is currently employed as an account manager for a company in Sydney, balancing the skills he developed on the cricket field with those needed in the corporate environment. His role now involves handling client accounts and ensuring the smooth operation of business transactions, showcasing his ability to adapt beyond the world of sports.
Why Is Bracken Considered Sehwag’s Nemesis?
The intriguing aspect of their rivalry lies in how Nathan Bracken managed to outsmart Virender Sehwag, one of the most feared batsmen in the world. Out of 16 international innings they faced off against one another across all formats, Sehwag faced 233 balls from Bracken, scoring 148 runs. However, Bracken’s claim to fame in this matchup comes from the fact that he successfully dismissed Sehwag a remarkable seven times. This record underlines the unique tactical battle between the two, where Bracken’s bowling consistently managed to find a way to disrupt Sehwag’s rhythm.
Career Stats Overview
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Sehwag’s Runs Against Bracken | Sehwag Out by Bracken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 116 | 174 | 148 | 7 |
| T20s | N/A | N/A | 0 | 0 |
Conclusion
Nathan Bracken, a significant character in the cricketing world during his time, demonstrates the diverse paths athletes can take post-retirement. While millions watched him as a premier bowler, his transition to a corporate job illustrates an important narrative about life after sports. His unique rivalry with Virender Sehwag adds a fascinating chapter to cricket history, immortalizing the instances where he outperformed one of the game’s legends. Bracken’s story emphasizes resilience and adaptability, traits that are invaluable in both sports and the business realm.
