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New Zealand Cricket has made a strategic move by awarding maiden contracts to all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson. This decision comes on the heels of Devon Conway and Finn Allen opting out of central contracts to pursue lucrative franchise cricket opportunities.
Nathan Smith: A force in domestic cricket
Smith, a 26-year-old sensation, has been making waves in domestic cricket. His exceptional performances, culminating in a stellar Plunket Shield season where he claimed 33 wickets at a remarkable average of 17, earned him the prestigious Men’s Domestic Player of the Year award. His consistent success across all formats, including impressive hauls in the Ford Trophy and Super Smash tournaments, has solidified his position as a rising star in New Zealand cricket.
As Head Coach Gary Stead aptly put it, “Nathan’s been on our radar for a while having been a significant performer in domestic cricket for some time.”
Stead further highlighted Smith’s potential for international success, stating, “He’s been particularly impressive in red ball cricket and we think he has the skills to be successful in international cricket when he gets a chance.”
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Josh Clarkson: A versatile talent
Clarkson, 27, has quickly established himself as a promising all-rounder. Making his white-ball debut for New Zealand in December 2022, he has showcased his skills in both ODIs and T20Is. His contributions to Central Stags’ success in winning both the Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy have further highlighted his talent and potential.
Stead expressed his admiration for Clarkson’s progress, saying, “Josh has been involved in both white ball squads over the past twelve months which shows the strides he’s made in his game.”
He emphasized Clarkson’s value to the team, stating, “He’s a hard-hitting player with plenty of skills and has shown in his chances so far that he can offer a lot with bat and ball on the international stage.”
A foundation in youth cricket
Both Smith and Clarkson have shared a common journey, having been part of the New Zealand Under-19 World Cup side alongside other notable names like Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Ben Sears. This experience has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping their cricketing careers and preparing them for the challenges of international cricket.
Stead’s endorsement of Smith and Clarkson is a testament to their talent and potential. His belief in their abilities is further strengthened by their impressive performances at the domestic level.
As Stead noted, “Josh will provide depth and adds value given the volume of white ball cricket on the horizon.”
The inclusion of Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson in the NZC central contracts list marks an exciting chapter for New Zealand cricket. Their talent, combined with their proven abilities, promises to strengthen the team’s depth and competitiveness in the years to come.
NZC central contract listed players:
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
