Web Desk
Fast bowler Adam Milne has been offered a central contract by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the first time in five years. Milne’s inclusion in the contract list comes after a highly productive international season, during which he represented the BLACKCAPS in 16 matches (11 T20Is and five ODIs), taking 24 wickets at an average of 24. This includes his career-best figures of 5-26 in the second T20I against Sri Lanka, making it the third-best T20I bowling performance by a New Zealander.
The 31-year-old, who made his international debut in 2010, has been part of New Zealand’s past two ICC T20 World Cup campaigns. BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead expressed that Milne’s central contract offer is well-deserved and reflects his commitment and contribution to international cricket for New Zealand.
Stead stated, “Adam has displayed exceptional dedication and resilience over the past few years, and he has earned this contract offer. He has always been an outstanding bowler, and we were impressed by his consistent performances during the recent home summer and the tour of Pakistan.”
In addition to Milne’s inclusion, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Blair Tickner have retained their contracts after joining the list mid-season last year, replacing Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, and Martin Guptill, who were granted releases at their request. Spinner Ajaz Patel, who was part of the contract list last year but played only two Tests in that period, has not been offered a central contract this time.
While Boult declined a central contract, he has committed to making himself available for the BLACKCAPS for part of the playing program. As a result, he has been offered a casual playing agreement.
According to the Master Agreement, the players have until June 12 to accept or decline the contract offers.
The players offered central contracts for 2023/24 are Finn Allen, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.
