New Zealand Cricket announces central contracts for 2020-21 season; three newcomers included

New Zealand Cricket has announced central contracts with 20 players for the upcoming season 2020-21. Interestingly they have included pace bowler Kyle Jamieson, spinner Ajaz Patel and batsman Devon Conway for the first time in their contract list.

Kyle Jamieson made his international debut in the ODI series against Team India. Moreover, he did an impressive job with the ball. On the other hand, Ajaz Patel had a great first-class season as he has become a regular face in the Test side. Also, Devon Conway, who migrated to New Zealand from South Africa in 2017 made a great impact with his batting in the previous domestic season. Conway is now eligible to represent Blackcaps.

New Zealand Cricket issues an official statement

In an official statement, Gavin Larsen, the selection manager said that it is an honor to offer contracts to three new players Jamieson, Conway, and Ajaz Patel. As per him, the aforementioned trio has impressed everyone with their remarkable performances and they have finally managed to get a contract proposal from NZC. He stated that the 25-year-old pacer performed exceedingly well against India and he has a very bright future in international cricket. Also, he heaped praise for the other two new inclusions.

“It’s really exciting to offer contracts to Kyle, Ajaz and Devon who have all impressed over the past 12 months. Kyle’s performances against the might of India were nothing short of outstanding and at 25 years of age, he’s certainly got a big future.

“We see Ajaz as the incumbent Test spinner at present and he’ll be looking to stamp his mark on that spot after some strong efforts with the ball in the sub-continent. Devon’s form with the bat across all three formats these past two seasons made him impossible to ignore and he’s going to be a great option to add to the batting mix,” the selection manager said in his official statement as quoted by New Zealand cricket.

New Zealand Cricket board also took a strong decision as they have not included Colin Munro and Jeet Raval as a part of their proposed 20-player list for the 2020-21 season. NZC have shared the contract details with all the players, who have got a deadline till May 22 to accept or reject it.

Players offered central contracts for 2020-21: Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, James Neesham, Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Will Young.