Rising all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson have been awarded their first New Zealand central contracts, marking a significant step in their cricketing journeys. The duo replaces Devon Conway and Finn Allen in the 20-member squad for the upcoming season.
Clarkson, who has already made his mark on the international stage with three ODIs and six T20Is, impressed with his performances since his debut against Bangladesh in Dunedin last year. Smith, on the other hand, shone brightly in the recent Plunket Shield season at the domestic level, showcasing his skills for Wellington.
The two vacant spots arose after Conway and Allen declined the contract offers last month. Conway, having signed with the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 tournament, has opted for a casual agreement with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) which makes him available for international matches except for the Sri Lanka white-ball series in January.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead has expressed his confidence in both Smith and Clarkson, highlighting their potential to make a significant impact at the international level. “Nathan’s been on our radar for a while having been a significant performer in domestic cricket for some time,” Stead stated in an NZC press release. “Josh has been involved in both white-ball squads over the past 12 months which shows the strides he’s made in his game,” he added. “Josh will provide depth and adds value given the volume of white-ball cricket on the horizon.”
Both Smith and Clarkson have shared a previous experience of representing New Zealand at the Under-19 level during the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh alongside current contracted players Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Ben Sears. This shared history underscores their potential and their readiness to contribute to the senior national team.
