Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson Secure New Zealand Cricket Central Contracts

Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson have been awarded their first central contracts with New Zealand Cricket, replacing Devon Conway and Finn Allen. Clarkson has recently debuted in ODIs and T20Is, while Smith excelled in domestic cricket. Coach Gary Stead praised their potential for international impact.

Promising all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson have been awarded New Zealand Cricket's central contract for the first time. They replace Devon Conway and Finn Allen in the 20-member list.

Clarkson, who has played three ODIs and six T20Is since debuting against Bangladesh last year, and Smith, a standout performer in the Plunket Shield for Wellington, have made their mark in domestic cricket.

The vacancies came after Conway and Allen declined offers last month. Conway has signed with Joburg Super Kings and a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket that excludes him from the Sri Lanka white-ball matches in January.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said that Smith and Clarkson deserved their central contracts, highlighting their potential for international impact. Stead noted Smith's significant domestic performances and Clarkson's strides in both white-ball squads over the past year.

Both Smith and Clarkson have represented New Zealand at the Under-19 level, alongside Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Ben Sears. The 2024-25 central contract list includes Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Will Young.

(With inputs from agencies.)