New Zealand announce central contracts for upcoming season, Jimmy Neesham left out

New Zealand Cricket have announced central contracts for the upcoming 2022-23 season and there are some interesting exclusions and inclusions. While left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has made a return to the list, all-rounder Michael Bracewell received a contract for the first time. Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been left out of the 20-player shortlist.

Neesham, who made his last Test appearance in 2017, has played just nine T20Is over the last 12 months and his performances haven’t been too appealing. Bracewell, who replaces Neesham, was recently named in the New Zealand Test squad for the upcoming England tour. He made his international debut in March this year against Netherlands.

Finalising the list seems to get tougher by the year: Gary Stead

As veteran batter Ross Taylor is retired from international cricket, he’s not in the list for the very first time since 2006. Meanwhile, the national team’s head coach Gary Stead stated that finalising the 20-player list wasn’t easy. “Finalising the list seems to get tougher by the year,” said Stead in a statement issued by NZC.

“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,” he added.

Stead also backed Ajaz to become a vital cog of the Test team in the coming times. “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 also like to acknowledge Ross Taylor and his immense contribution to the BLACKCAPS over a long and successful career,” he added.

New Zealand players offered central contracts for 2022-23: 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, Kane Williamson, Will Young.