Uncapped all-rounder Nathan Smith is aiming for a test debut in New Zealand’s home summer after earning a national contract due to his outstanding domestic performance.
New Zealand, Bollywood Fever: Uncapped all-rounder Nathan Smith is setting his sights on a test debut this summer after being awarded a New Zealand central contract, following a remarkable domestic season.
The 26-year-old from Oamaru, in Otago’s South Island province, earned the title of New Zealand’s Domestic Player of the Year in March, thanks to his stellar performance in the Plunket Shield, where he led the competition with 33 wickets for Wellington at an impressive average of 17.
New Zealand Cricket’s decision to offer a contract to a player without any international experience is a rarity, and Smith is determined to justify the board’s confidence in him. “I love cricket so all formats are great, they have their own little niches,” Smith told reporters on Tuesday. “But for me, I’m a purist, so I love the long format of the game. It’s probably a format that I’ve had the most success in so far.”
Despite his preference for the longer format, Smith is eager to prove himself as an all-format player. “That doesn’t mean to say I’m not trying to become an all-format player. I definitely think I can play all three formats. For me, it’s just about trying to stay on the park, stay fit, and hopefully perform for whoever I’m playing for.”
Smith was one of two all-rounders newly awarded central contracts in the 20-man list released on Tuesday, with Central Stags’ Josh Clarkson also receiving his first contract after making his international debut in limited-overs cricket last summer.
Smith and Clarkson have effectively replaced batsmen Devon Conway and Finn Allen, both of whom opted out of contracts.
With Kane Williamson also opting out to participate in South Africa’s SA20 league, the departure of several previously contracted players has raised concerns among New Zealand fans and pundits.
However, Smith, a dynamic medium pacer, remains committed to building a successful international career with New Zealand.
Smith has already shown great promise in white-ball formats, notably taking an eye-catching 4-5 against the Otago Volts—the best figures recorded in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition last season.
He spent the New Zealand winter in England, where he took eight wickets and scored 144 runs at an average of 24 for Worcestershire in the T20 Blast competition.
While other lucrative opportunities in T20 franchise cricket may arise, Smith was emphatic in his decision to accept the New Zealand contract. “Each guy’s going to make their own decision about what they want to do for their career, but for me at this stage, it’s about having a really good international career for New Zealand,” he said. “So I just [want to] keep building my career, and hopefully, it sorts itself out.”
New Zealand is set to host England in three tests starting from November 28, and Smith is targeting the number seven spot in the team, previously held by South Africa-born spin bowling all-rounder Glenn Phillips.
He also expressed his eagerness to contribute as a bowler, saying, “I like to take the new ball, I think it’s a real strength of mine. But I think I can have an impact with the old ball as well.”
With a bright future ahead, Smith’s ambitions and recent performances suggest he could be a valuable asset to New Zealand’s cricket team across all formats.
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