New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced the central contracts list for the 2024-25 season, and it comes with exciting news for two emerging allrounders: Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson. The decision to introduce fresh faces follows the unexpected choice of Devon Conway and Finn Allen to opt out of central contracts for the upcoming season, leaving a gap that Smith and Clarkson are now set to fill.
Nathan Smith, 26, is a promising talent who, despite his impressive domestic cricket credentials, is yet to make his international debut for the Blackcaps. Smith’s first-class career has been noteworthy, despite its relative brevity, with 1919 runs to his name at an average of 27.02. His batting record includes a century and thirteen fifties, signaling his potential with the bat. Smith’s prowess doesn’t stop there; he is also a reliable bowler, having taken 144 wickets at an average of 25.85, including four instances where he’s claimed four-wicket hauls and six occasions where he has taken five wickets in an innings.
Recently, Smith showcased his skills in the T20 Blast, representing Worcestershire. During the tournament, he scored 144 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 132.11 and took eight wickets, demonstrating his capabilities as a genuine allrounder in the T20 format. His experience in domestic cricket and overseas leagues could serve as a solid foundation as he steps onto the international stage.
Josh Clarkson, on the other hand, brings a bit more international experience to the table. The 27-year-old has already donned the Blackcaps jersey in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and six Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His domestic career spans 23 first-class matches, 78 List A games, and 89 T20 matches.
. Known for his powerful hitting and versatility with the ball, Clarkson is expected to add depth to New Zealand’s white-ball squads, which are set to have a busy schedule in the coming months.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his confidence in both players. “Nathan’s been on our radar for a while, having been a significant performer in domestic cricket for some time,” said Stead. “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.”
Stead also highlighted Clarkson’s development and contributions. “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’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. Josh will provide depth and adds value given the volume of white-ball cricket on the horizon.”
The decision to include Smith and Clarkson in the central contracts list comes as a natural progression of New Zealand Cricket’s strategy to develop and integrate promising young talent into the national setup. With Conway and Allen deciding to step back from these contracts, NZC saw an opportunity to bring in fresh energy and potential through these two emerging stars.
As the new season approaches, cricket fans and analysts will be keenly observing how Smith and Clarkson adapt to the pressures and expectations of international cricket. Their performances could significantly impact New Zealand’s fortunes in the various formats of the game, as the team continues to build a competitive and well-rounded squad.
The complete list of New Zealand Men’s central contracts for the 2024-25 season includes notable names like Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, 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, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, and Will Young, alongside the newly contracted Smith and Clarkson.
As these players gear up for an action-packed season, the inclusion of new talent stands as a testament to New Zealand Cricket’s commitment to nurturing and rewarding domestic performers while maintaining a robust and dynamic national team. The anticipation is high, and all eyes will be on Smith and Clarkson as they take their first steps into what promises to be a pivotal period in their cricketing journeys.
