look news india
Wellington, July 10 (HS). Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke and Jacob Duffy have been offered New Zealand's first central contracts, while left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has returned to the list. Fast bowler Adam Milne has rejected the contract along with Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson and Blair Tickner has been dropped from the list of 20 players.
Ravindra was the breakout star of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he made 578 runs and then scored his maiden Test century against South Africa at Mount Maunganui, which he converted into 240. He became the youngest winner of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal as New Zealand's men's player in March.
On being included in the central contract, Rachin was quoted by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) as saying, “Growing up you used to look at those contract lists every year and think it would be nice to be on that list one day – and now to be on it is a pleasure for me, the last 12 months playing international cricket have been really great. I have learned a lot and definitely have a hunger to improve and give back to the Blackcaps.”
Last season, fast bowlers Sears and O'Rourke impressed on their Test debuts. O'Rourke took nine wickets against South Africa in Hamilton and Sears took 4 for 90 against Australia in Christchurch. Sears was also a regular member of the T20 team, while O'Rourke made his debut in both white-ball formats.
The 29-year-old Duffy is not a regular in New Zealand teams and has not yet made his Test debut. He has featured in six ODIs and 14 T20Is since his debut in 2020. Last season, he took 31 wickets in the Plunket Shield at an average of 24.41.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells said, “It is particularly exciting for Ben, Jacob, Rachin and Will to receive their first contract offers, and it is well deserved after their hard work and performances. These young players are the future of the team and it is encouraging to see their progress on the international stage.”
Patel's return to the contract list is a reflection of New Zealand's upcoming Test-heavy schedule, which includes overseas tours against Afghanistan (one Test), Sri Lanka (two Tests) and India (three Tests). They will then play a three-match home series against England in December.
New Zealand will need a new white-ball captain following Williamson's decision to reject his contract.
Top-order batsman Henry Nicholls has retained his contract despite being dropped from the Test squad last season. Kyle Jamieson is currently recovering from another back injury, which was diagnosed in February and could keep him out for up to a year.
Players included in New Zealand's central contract 2024-25 list:-
Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.