Allrounders Clarkson, Smith rewarded for stellar domestic form with Blackcaps contracts

Allrounders Josh Clarkson and Nathan Smith have earned their first Blackcaps contracts, NZ Cricket announced on Tuesday.

The duo effectively replace batters Devon Conway and Finn Allen, who have chosen to forego their central contracts to pursue opportunities in off-shore Twenty20 competitions.

Smith was the leading wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield, snaring 33 wickets for the Firebirds, including a career-best 6/36 against Canterbury.

He was equally impressive with the white ball, during the Ford Trophy and Super Smash, highlighted by a competition-best 4/5 in the men's T20, his feats earning him the awards for men's domestic player of the year.

Last season, Clarkson was rewarded for his stellar play in guiding the Central Stags to both the Plunket Shield and the Ford Trophy with elevation to the international stage, playing three ODIs and six T20Is for the Blackcaps.

Coach Gary Stead says both players thoroughly deserve their promotion to the centrally contracted group of 20 players.

"Nathan's been on our radar for a while having been a significant performer in domestic cricket for some time," said Stead.

"He's been particularly impressive in red ball cricket, and we think he has the skills to be successful in international cricket when he gets a chance."

"Josh has been involved in both white-ball squads over the past twelve months which shows the strides he's made in his game.

"He's a hard-hitting player with plenty of skills and has shown in his chances so far that he can offer a lot with bat and ball on the international stage.

The Blackcaps return to action next week in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting Monday.