Promising all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson have been awarded their first-ever BLACKCAPS central contracts for the 2024-25 season, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing careers. The Wellington Firebirds’ Nathan Smith and Central Stags’ Josh Clarkson have stepped into these roles, effectively replacing Devon Conway and Finn Allen on the central contract list.
This elevation comes after a remarkable year for 26-year-old Smith, who was named the Men’s Domestic Player of the Year at the ANZ NZC Awards in March. The Oamaru-born cricketer played a pivotal role in the Wellington Firebirds’ Plunket Shield victory, leading the competition with 33 wickets at an average of just 17. His standout performance included career-best first-class figures of 6-36 against Canterbury. Smith also impressed in white-ball cricket, taking 11 wickets in the Ford Trophy and 13 in the Dream11 Super Smash, including a stunning 4-5 against Otago Volts, the best figures in last season’s men’s T20 competition.
On the other hand, 27-year-old Clarkson, who has already featured in three ODIs and six T20Is for the BLACKCAPS, has been rewarded for his all-round performances that contributed to the Central Stags’ success in both the Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy. Known for his powerful hitting and versatile bowling, Clarkson made his international debut against Bangladesh in December and has since been a regular in New Zealand’s white-ball squads.
Both players were part of New Zealand’s Under-19 squad at the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, alongside fellow BLACKCAPS Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Ben Sears. Their journey from promising youngsters to contracted international players reflects their consistent development and impressive performances in domestic cricket.
BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead praised both players for their recent performances and potential at the international level. “Nathan’s been on our radar for a while, particularly for his red-ball cricket, and we believe he has the skills to succeed internationally. Josh has shown his value in white-ball cricket, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball will add depth to our squad, especially with the volume of white-ball cricket ahead.”
The additions of Smith and Clarkson highlight the depth of talent within New Zealand cricket, with both players expected to make significant contributions to the BLACKCAPS in the upcoming season.
BLACKCAPS 2024-25 Central Contracts
- Tom Blundell (Wellington)
- Michael Bracewell (Wellington)
- Mark Chapman (Auckland)
- Josh Clarkson (Central Districts)
- Jacob Duffy (Otago)
- Matt Henry (Canterbury)
- Kyle Jamieson (Canterbury)
- Tom Latham (Canterbury)
- Daryl Mitchell (Canterbury)
- Henry Nicholls (Canterbury)
- Will O’Rourke (Canterbury)
- Ajaz Patel (Central Districts)
- Glenn Phillips (Otago)
- Rachin Ravindra (Wellington)
- Mitchell Santner (Northern Districts)
- Ben Sears (Wellington)
- Nathan Smith (Wellington)
- Ish Sodhi (Canterbury)
- Tim Southee (Northern Districts)
- Will Young (Central Districts)
Cricket Wellington and Central Districts are expected to announce replacements for Smith and Clarkson on their respective domestic contract lists soon, as the players embark on their new journey with the BLACKCAPS.
