Ajaz Patel, Bracewell offered maiden New Zealand central contracts

On May 13, the New Zealand Cricket Board announced the central contracts for the 2022-23 season, which comprised a total of 20 players. The spinner Ajaz Patel and all-rounder Micheal Bracewell have earned their maiden central contract on the back of consistent performances. 

In the last couple of years, the Wellington captain Bracewell has emerged to be one of the best players coming out of domestic cricket. In the 2021/22 season, he has contributed in both departments across all three formats and returned as the leading run-scorer of the team in the Super Smash with 478 runs in 10 innings. Additionally, he came out with flying colours in a recent series for the Kiwi team against the Netherlands as well. 

On the other hand, Ajaz Patel had become only the third bowler in Test cricket history to take 10 wickets in a single innings in a fixture against India last year. 

The Kiwi head coach, Gary Stead, team thinks the selections are getting tougher year by year.

"Finalising the list seems to get tougher by the year. 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,” said Stead. 

Stead further praised Patel and Bracewell, and he is excited about their performances for the Blackcaps. 

“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,” Stead further added. 

"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,” he added. 

Apart from Taylor (retired), the other name missing from the previous contract is all-rounder James Neesham, who has not played a Test match since 2017, while his preview ODI outing was in March 2021. 

Other notable absentees are Tim Seifert, Adam Milne, Rachin Ravindra and Will Somerville. 

As per NZC’s bylaws, all the contracted players have time until May 19 to accept or decline the offer proposed by the board. 

Contracted players' list 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.