New Zealand has completed their central contract roster for the 2024/25 season, adding two fresh names to their lineup. All-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson have secured the final spots on the 20-player list, earning promotions based on their standout performances in domestic cricket.
Clarkson’s inclusion comes after a series of notable displays in international white-ball games over the past year, where he made his mark in three ODIs and six T20Is for the Black Caps, starting with his debut against Bangladesh in Dunedin late last year. Meanwhile, Smith shone brightly during the recent Plunket Shield season, showcasing his talent at the domestic level in New Zealand.
These new additions to the central contract list were made following Devon Conway and Finn Allen’s decision to opt out last month, leaving New Zealand with a final count of 20 contracted players for the upcoming season. New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, expressed his confidence in Smith and Clarkson, highlighting their potential to excel at the international level if given the opportunity.
Stead noted that Nathan had been on their radar for some time, particularly for his impressive performances in red-ball cricket, and believes he has the ability to succeed in international cricket. He also acknowledged Clarkson’s progress in recent international outings, pinpointing his value as a versatile player with both bat and ball, especially with a significant amount of white-ball cricket on the horizon.
The finalised central contract list for New Zealand’s 2024/25 season includes: 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, and Will Young.