NZ Central Contracts 2022-23
New Zealand Cricket announced 20-member player list who secured NZ Central Contracts for 2022-23 cricket season.
Michael Bracewell who made his ODI debut against Netherlands in March, has earned his maiden central contract for New Zealand Cricket while all-rounder Jimmy Neesham missed out. Neesham played just 9 T20Is in the past year for New Zealand. He was a part of New Zealand T20 World Cup team – he scored 92 runs in 7 innings powered by a strike rate of 135.29 and picked 3 wickets.
Spinner Ajaz Patel who picked 10 wickets in an innings in India is set to return to the BLACKCAPS contracts list. This is the first time since 2006 that retired NZ Cricket great Ross Taylor’s name will not appear on the contract list.
NZ Central Contracts 2022-23:
Kane Williamson, Will Young, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner.
BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said competition for the 20 contracts continued to be fierce.
“Finalising the list seems to get tougher by the year,” Stead reflected.
“The busy international calendar means we’re calling on a wider base of talent these days and the likes of Michael Bracewell is testament to the depth of that talent.
“Michael’s been consistently performing on the domestic circuit for seasons now and we certainly see him as an international prospect in all three formats.
“It’s great to see Ajaz back on the list after narrowly missing out last season. His value as our leading red-ball spinner is clear and we’re excited to see the role he could play in the Test team going forward.
“I’d like to congratulate all 20 players who have received a national contract offer for the coming season and wish those heading away this winter all the best.
“I’d also like to acknowledge Ross Taylor and his immense contribution to the BLACKCAPS over a long and successful career.”
