The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has granted central contracts to all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson after Devon Conway and Finn Allen recently turned down their central contracts in favor of T20 league prospects.
A 26-year-old Wellingtonian, Smith has made his mark in domestic cricket. In Firebirds’ triumphant Plunkett Shield campaign this past season, he was particularly impressive with an average of 17 runs per wicket from 33 dismissals in the competition- including 6 for 36 as his best figures ever on first-class against Canterbury.
In the white ball arena performances were just as good for him – he took 11 and 13 wickets each in the Ford Trophy and Super Smash, respectively – in addition, he produced 4-5 against Otago Volts which turned out to be the best men’s figure last season’s men’s T20 .
“For a period of time now Nathan has been in our list since he has been one among others who have really stood out in domestic cricket for quite a while. He’s done particularly well at four-day level and we think he has what it takes to do well again on the international stage when he gets given an opportunity,” said Gary Stead, head coach.
Since making his international debut at Din e it was December against Bangladesh there has been Clarkson who is 27 years old and appeared in these three ODIs including six T20Is played by New Zealand till date.
The allrounder brought himself into consideration after enjoying a successful 2022-23 domestic season during which his performances were instrumental in helping Central Stags clinch the Plunkket Shield and Ford Trophy titles.
Anything relating to Josh tells that he is making good progress in his game as he has been part of both white ball squads for the past one year. A player who stricks harder, has many skills and demonstrated during his opportunities so far that he can make big contributions with bat and ball internationally. He (Josh) will offer depth and add value because there will be a lot of white-ball cricket coming up,” said Stead.
The New Zealanders will take on Afghanistan in an intercontinental Test match in the Greater Noida on September 7 before embarking on a tour to Sri Lanka for two matches followed by another trip to India where they are expected to play three Test matches.
New Zealand 2024-25 central contracts-
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
