Michael Bracewell supplied maiden New Zealand central contract, James Neesham misses out

Michael Bracewell’s rise in New Zealand cricket was confirmed on Friday because the Wellington all-rounder was supplied his first nationwide contract, whereas white-ball specialist James Neesham missed out.

Jimmy Neesham axed as Bracewell and Ajaz Patel make New Zealand contract checklist (Reuters Photo)

HIGHLIGHTSMichael Bracewell was supplied his first nationwide contractWhite-ball specialist James Neesham missed outRoss Taylor won’t be a part of contract checklist for first time since 2006

All-rounder Michael Bracewell earned his maiden provide to New Zealand’s centrally contracted checklist for the upcoming 2022-23 season, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel additionally returned, whereas James Neesham was dropped from the 20-player shortlist.

“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,” head coach Gary Stead mentioned in a press release.

Bracewell, the nephew of former internationals John and Brendon Bracewell, made his debut in March within the one-day sequence towards the Netherlands and was included in final week’s Test squad to play England in June.

Retired Ross Taylor won’t be a part of the contract checklist for the primary time since 2006.

“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.

“I’d prefer to congratulate all 20 gamers who’ve acquired a nationwide contract provide for the approaching season and need these heading away this winter all the perfect.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Ross Taylor and his immense contribution to the Black Caps over a long and successful career.”

Neesham hasn’t performed a Test since 2017, having featured in simply 9 T20Is during the last 12 months for New Zealand together with the World Cup.

“He’s obviously disappointed. There’s no doubt about that,” Stead mentioned of Neesham’s omission. “Jimmy’s lost a New Zealand contract but that doesn’t mean he’s lost a contract within New Zealand, so there’s still an opportunity to pick up a domestic contract and be available to play domestically.

“It additionally doesn’t suggest Jimmy Neesham will not play for New Zealand once more. It’s the method of contracting, it isn’t the method of choice.”

World Test champions New Zealand begin a three-Test sequence towards England at Lord’s on June 2.