New Zealand Cricket Elevates Smith and Clarkson to Central Contracts for 2024/25 Season

New Zealand has finalized their 2024/25 central contracts, promoting Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson following impressive domestic and international performances. Coach Gary Stead highlights their potential impact on the international stage. The 20-player list excludes Devon Conway and Finn Allen, who declined contracts last month.

New Zealand cricket has finalized its central contract list for the 2024/25 season, awarding the last two spots to all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson. The pair earned their promotions based on outstanding domestic performances, with Clarkson also shining in recent international appearances.

Clarkson has featured in three ODIs and six T20Is since debuting against Bangladesh late last year, accumulating 65 runs and taking four wickets. Smith, a standout in the Plunket Shield, led the wicket charts with 33 scalps and scored 245 runs, including two half-centuries. Their inclusion completes the 20-player list, after Devon Conway and Finn Allen opted out last month.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead remarked that both players merited their first central contracts, citing their considerable potential at the international level. "Nathan has been a significant performer in domestic cricket, particularly in red-ball cricket, and we believe he can succeed internationally," Stead stated. He praised Clarkson's recent contributions, noting his development in the white-ball format. "Josh brings depth and offers valuable skills with both bat and ball, especially with a busy white-ball calendar ahead," Stead concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)