After kickstarting his Test career on a wonderful note with the home series against India earlier this year, New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson was on Friday (May 15) rewarded with a central contract for the upcoming 12 months by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Apart from Jamieson, Devon Conway, the South African-born Wellington batsman, and left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel also received their first central contracts for the Black Caps, while limited-overs opener Colin Munro, legspinner Todd Astle and Test match opening batsman Jeet Raval were dropped from the list.
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The contracts that are offered include a base salary alongside usual match fees, given each year to 20 main cricketers expected to serve New Zealand for the next 12 months.
"It's really exciting to offer contracts to Kyle, Ajaz and Devon who have all impressed over the past 12 months," chief selector Gavin Larsen said in a statement.
"Kyle's performances against the might of India were nothing short of outstanding and at 25 years of age he's certainly got a big future."
"We see Ajaz as the incumbent test spinner at present and he'll be looking to stamp his mark on that spot after some superb efforts with the ball in the sub-continent."
"Devon's form with the bat across all three formats these past two seasons made him impossible to ignore and he's going to be a great option to add to the batting mix."
Conway's three-year residential period requirement will have ended in August, when he becomes eligible to represent the Kiwis at the highest level after enjoying a terrific last season in first-class cricket for Wellington Firebirds.
Patel played a crucial role in helping New Zealand clinch a historic Test series win in the UAE against Pakistan in 2018-19 season and remains integral to the team's planning for its visits to the subcontinent.
Jamieson bagged nine wickets at an average of only 16.33, including his maiden Test five-fer, as the Kane Williamson-led side dominated the Indians across Wellington and Christchurch in a 2-0 whitewash.
