New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Friday, have introduced the central contracts for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has been named in the record, alongside a maiden call-up for all-rounder Michael Bracewell.
In June final 12 months, Ajaz assisted the Black Caps to clinch a uncommon Test sequence victory over England at Edgbaston earlier than ending the five-match T20 leg in opposition to Bangladesh in September as the main wicket-taker. However, his most memorable efficiency got here in opposition to India in the second Test in Mumbai in December, when he claimed all 10 first-innings wickets and completed with 14 total in the match.
Similarly, Bracewell just lately got here into the limelight after being picked in the New Zealand Test squad for the England tour. He made his nationwide debut in March in opposition to the Netherlands, the place he was additionally adjudged the Super Smash Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, senior all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been not noted of the 20-player shortlist. Notably, the Auckland-born made his final Test look in 2017 and has solely performed 9 T20Is over the final 12 months, together with the World Cup.
“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,” stated head coach Gary Stead in an announcement.
“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,” he added.
Players provided central contracts for 2022-23 season:
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