Daryl Mitchell, Jeet Raval and Finn Allen among major domestic movers in New Zealand

The New Zealand domestic squads are taking shape ahead of the 2020-21 season with the first round of contracts being announced. Each squad can include up to 16 players (centrally contracted New Zealand players are not included) with remaining spots filled up in the final round later this month.

Auckland

Colin Munro returns to the domestic list having lost his central contract while top-order batsman Will O’Donnell has been given his first deal. Auckland’s batting will have to cover for the loss of Finn Allen and Jeet Raval who have departed for Wellington and Northern Districts respectively.

First round offers Graeme Beghin, Jamie Brown, Mark Chapman, Louis Delport, Danru Ferns, Ben Horne, Ben Lister, Matt McEwan, Colin Munro, Robbie O’Donnell, William O’Donnell, Glenn Phillips, Sean Solia, Will Somerville

Centrally contracted Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson

What they said Coach Heinrich Malan: “It is great to reward a young player like Will, who has starred in club cricket for some time and successfully come through our A-programme. It is pleasing to have a solid group of players who have played together over the last few years. We are looking forward to seeing how the group continues to develop over the next twelve months.”

Canterbury

New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell, who made his Test debut against England last year, has completed one of the major off-season moves by heading south from Northern Districts. Legspinner Todd Astle, who retired from first-class cricket earlier this year, has been handed a contract.

First round offers Todd Astle, Chad Bowes, Jack Boyle, Leo Carter, Cam Fletcher, Andrew Hazeldine, Ken McClure, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Ed Nuttall, Fraser Sheat, Henry Shipley, Theo van Woerkom, Will Williams

Centrally contracted Tom Latham, Matt Henry, Henry Nicholls

What they said High performance manager Marty Croy: “Daryl brings a wealth of experience having performed at an international level and will be a huge asset to the team. The value of Daryl is immense, not only through his playing ability, but also what he can bring to our group as far as his approach to performance and his desire to win titles for Canterbury.

Central Districts

First round offers TBC

Centrally contracted Ajaz Patel, Ross Taylor, Will Young

Northern Districts

Raval, who lost his central contract for 2020-21, will look to revive his fortunes with the short relocation to Northern Districts.

First round offers TBC

Centrally contracted Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson

Otago

Dale Phillips, the brother of New Zealand player Glenn, is one of two new faces for Otago after making his debut last season alongside wicketkeeper-batsman Max Chu. Mark Craig, the former New Zealand offspinner, wasn’t considered after deciding to take a break from the game since when he has undergone back surgery.

First round offers Matt Bacon, Neil Broom, Max Chu, Jacob Duffy, Josh Finnie, Dean Foxcroft, Anaru Kitchen, Nick Kelly, Dale Phillips, Hamish Rutherford, Mitch Renwick, Michael Rippon, Michael Rae, Nathan Smith

What they said Performance manager Simon Forde: “[We need to] strengthen our seam bowling stocks. We were very light last year in terms of numbers of seam bowlers in the group so the focus of our second round of contracting will be building depth in that department to complement our exciting attack led by Jacob Duffy.”

Wellington

Allen, the 21-year-old batsman, is one of the most highly-regarded young prospects in New Zealand cricket and joins Wellington alongside 22-year-old Troy Johnson. Allen scored a century for a New Zealand XI against England last year and will help cover the potential loss of Devon Conway to international duty once he qualifies in September.

First round offers Finn Allen, Hamish Bennett, Michael Bracewell, Fraser Colson, Andrew Fletcher, Jamie Gibson, Lauchie Johns, Troy Johnson, Iain McPeake, Ollie Newton, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Michael Snedden, Logan van Beek, Peter Younghusband

Centrally contract Devon Conway, Tom Blundell, Jimmy Neesham

What they said Head coach Glenn Pocknall: “We’re really excited to be able to add two high quality batsmen and equally great blokes to the squad who we know will contribute on and off the field for us. We’re all about developing people and we play an important role in assisting them reach their goals. In these two guys we know what they’re wanting to achieve, and we look forward to supporting their careers.”

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