New Zealand finalise central contract list with two further additions
Replacements for Devon Conway and Finn Allen leave the Kiwis with their final list of 20 for the upcoming season.
New Zealand have finalised their central contract list for the 2024/25 season, with all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson winning the final two spots in the 20-player list.
The pair are promoted to the central contract list for the first time on the back of strong performances at domestic level, with Clarkson having also impressed during nine international white-ball appearances for the Kiwis across the last 12 months.
Clarkson has played three ODIs and six T20Is for the Black Caps since debuting against Bangladesh in Dunedin at the end of last year, while Smith was the standout performer at Wellington during the most recent Plunket Shield season at domestic level in New Zealand.
The promotion of Smith and Clarkson leaves New Zealand with 20 players on central contracts for the coming season, following the decision by Devon Conway and Finn Allen to decline the option last month.
Finn Allen's brilliant 16-42 gave New Zealand the perfect start against Australia in the Super 12 opener of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Smith and Clarkson deserved their first central contract and believes the duo can make an impact at international level over the coming months if they win selection.
“Nathan’s been on our radar for a while having been a significant performer in domestic cricket for some time,” Stead said.
“He’s been particularly impressive in red-ball cricket and we think he has the skills to be successful in international cricket when he gets a chance.”
Rachin Ravindra is out to make his mark in India while playing for New Zealand at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
Stead said Clarkson had impressed during recent international performances.
“Josh has been involved in both white ball squads over the past twelve months which shows the strides he’s made in his game,” he said.
“He’s a hard-hitting player with plenty of skills and has shown in his chances so far that he can offer a lot with bat and ball on the international stage.
“Josh will provide depth and adds value given the volume of white-ball cricket on the horizon.”
New Zealand 2024-25 central contract list: Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young