The Black Caps named a 15-man party for three Tests against Pakistan in the Middle East on Wednesday, with Bracewell the only inclusion from the squad that beat the West Indies earlier this year.
The 24-year-old burst onto the scene in 2011, taking 16 wickets in his first three Tests including a stunning match haul of 9-60 against Australia in Hobart.
Bracewell battled for form in late 2012 and 2013 though, and has taken just 13 wickets in his last eight Tests for New Zealand.
But good form for New Zealand 'A' on their recent tour of the United Kingdom played a role in his selection, while it also aided the cause of opener Hamish Rutherford.
"Doug had a very good NZ 'A' tour and we just think that in the heat in the UAE, his experience and resilience in those conditions will be important," Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said.
"Likewise, Hamish demonstrated a lot of positives on that England tour. His balance was back and with that came his confidence."
Off-spinner Mark Craig impressed on this year's tour of the West Indies – which New Zealand won 2-1 – and took 12 wickets in three Tests.
With the wickets in the United Arab Emirates set to be conducive to spin, Hesson is hopeful Craig can continue to deliver against a side New Zealand have struggled against in the past.
"Mark had an outstanding first series in spin-friendly conditions and really stepped up to the level required in Test cricket," he added.
"Now the challenge for him is to deliver on his second tour when the opposition will know more about him.
"Pakistan is an incredibly tough team to play in conditions favourable to them.
"Our record against Pakistan is actually the worst against any of the Test playing nations, having won just two out of 19 series, both home and away."
New Zealand also named a 19-man XI squad for two warm-up one-day matches against Scotland and Ireland, ahead of October's three-match one-day series against South Africa. A confirmed squad will be announced later this month.
Full New Zealand Test squad: Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Tom Latham, Brendon McCullum (capt), James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson