Bracewell has coached Spearman before

Players must not have played first-class or international cricket in another country for 12 months in order to be eligible to play as a non-foreigner if they have an EU passport.

Players used to have to wait four years after playing their last international for another country before they were classed as English.

But the qualifying period was reduced in October to 12 months from April 2001.

Spearman moved to Britain in July to pursue a career in banking, but has decided to revive his cricket career because the events of 11 September have hit the banking industry hard.

The Auckland-born batsman said: "I found out the eligibility rules had changed and I have qualified very fortuitously.

"I told New Zealand officials earlier this year that I was going to the UK and not coming back. I wasn't sure I would be playing any cricket, so this will be like starting my career over again."

Alleyne

"The rules state that I must not have played international or first-class cricket in the 12 months before the English season starts next April and my last game was in March.

"I have a background of some experience and I'm looking forward to helping Gloucestershire."

Gloucestershire captain Mark Alleyne said: "We want Craig as an opener and he will fit in well with what we want to achieve. Anyone who has played 70 times for their country will bring with him a wealth of experience.

"He is pretty much in our mould. He hits the ball well and is not scared to get on with it when needs be."