Adam Milne offered NZC contract for first time in five years

New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne has been offered a central contract by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after five years following his impressive season with the Blackcaps. Milne played 16 international games for New Zealand last season, picking up 24 wickets across formats at 25, including a career-best 5 for 26 in the T20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka.

The 31-year-old pacer has been part of the last two T20 World Cups - managing just three wickets across the six matches. Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead reckons Milne's return to the contract list is well-deserved.

“Adam’s worked exceptionally hard and has shown good resilience over the past few years to be in a position to earn this contract offer,” Stead said. 

“He’s always been a top-class bowler and we were impressed by his consistent contributions in the recent home summer and tour of Pakistan.” 

Three other players - Finn Allen, Mark Chapman and Blair Tickner - have been retained in the contract list after being included in the middle of last season - with Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme and Martin Guptill making way.

Boult, who once again declined a central contract has been handed a casual contract as he had indicated that he would be available for specific matches for the Blackcaps.

However, Spinner Ajaz Patel could consider himself unlucky to miss out despite being offered a contract last time. He played in just a couple of Tests last season and as a result, has not been considered.

The players have up to June 12 to either accept or decline the contracts offered to them.

NZC central contracts for 2023-24: 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, Will Young