Jimmy Neesham declines NZC central contract, Blair Tickner and Finn Allen awarded maiden deals

While Finn Allen and Blair Tickner have been given their first contracts, Jimmy Neesham has turned down a New Zealand central contract. Following the exit of Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme from the list, Neesham was offered one of the two open seats, but he declined because he had already made commitments to several T20 tournaments since his exclusion from the initial roster.

Many franchise-based T20 tournaments will take place shortly. Events like the Big Bash League will commence in December, while the inaugural SA20 will clash with the BBL and will take place in January. Notably, Neesham will participate in the SA20, and the team he will play under will be decided at the player auctions scheduled for September 19.

The two vacancies have been filled by opening batter Allen and fast bowler Tickner. Boult terminated his central contract earlier this year to spend more time with his family and participate in T20 leagues across the globe, while Grandhomme announced his retirement from international cricket soon after Adelaide Strikers acquired him in the BBL draft.

The newest additions have recently appeared in New Zealand's white-ball setup. Allen is a well-known player who has a high potential of being selected for the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2022. With New Zealand Cricket all set to announce their World Cup squad on September 20, it’ll be intriguing to see who makes the cut. In 13 T20I innings, Allen has scored 334 runs with a strike rate of 169.54.

He has also participated in eight ODIs, scoring a crucial 96 during the team's recent tour of the West Indies, and impressed when he was placed back in the combination for the pivotal game against Australia in Cairns. Tickner was a member of the original touring group for the Test series in England previously this year and has featured in six ODIs and 11 T20Is, including the one against the Netherlands.

Blair is a bowler who just keeps improving: NZ Head Coach Gary Stead

“Finn clearly has huge talent and potential. He's shown he's up to the international level in his limited opportunities to date. In particular, his match-winning 96 against West Indies on a difficult wicket in Barbados showed his class and maturity,” said Gary Stead.

“Blair's been in Blackcaps squads for all three formats over the past 12 months which is a testament to his progress. He's a bowler who just keeps improving and we've been particularly impressed with his red-ball development, which saw him in the recent squads for the England and South Africa Tests. He knows the environment, understands his role, and bowls with good pace and aggression,” Stead added.