JOSH CLARKSON is set to make his overdue BLACKCAPS T20 International debut, after being picked for the BLACKCAPS squad for this month's exciting three-game KFC T20 International Series in Wellington and Auckland against Australia.

The big Stags allrounder got his first BLACKCAPS call-up earlier this summer, acquitting himself well in three One-Day Internationals against Bangladesh.

Then the powerful 27-year-old earned his first T20 International call-up in early January, with selectors saying he would come in for the third T20i against Pakistan to give KANE WILLIAMSON a game off.

It was a guaranteed T20i debut.

JOSH CLARKSON | PHOTOSPORT

But, just days before he was due to assemble with the BLACKCAPS, he went diving into the dirt at McLean Park to try to avoid being run out during the Dream11 Super Smash, only to painfully injure his shoulder and be ruled out of action for the next few weeks.

So he missed that big date in Dunedin, but now there's arguably an even bigger dance to go to - starting with the first KFC T20i under lights at Wellington's SKY Stadium in a week's time, on 21 February, followed by two matches at Auckland's Eden Park (one under lights and one Sunday afternoon game) against a strong Aussie side.

PHOTOSPORT

With an unbeaten matchwinning century, Clarkson was the star of last summer's FORD TROPHY Grand Final for the Central Stags.

This summer, the international call-up means he'll now miss next week's Finals, should the Stags stay on course to qualify in the top three of The Ford Trophy again.

A foot injury to DARYL MITCHELL and Williamson’s paternity leave opened the BLACKCAPS door again for Clarkson in a 14-strong squad that also includes RACHIN RAVINDRA and TRENT BOULT.

Boult has been selected for the Eden Park games on 23 and 25 February as TIM SOUTHEE manages his workload between the South Africa and Australia Test series. 

JOSH CLARKSON | PHOTOSPORT

The remainder of the T20 squad is the same as defeated Pakistan 4-1 in January, with BEN SEARS making way for LOCKIE FERGUSON who will be available for the Auckland Aces when they play the Stags in The Ford Trophy this Sunday, before joining up with the BLACKCAPS on Monday in Wellington.

Said BLACKCAPS selector SAM WELLS, “Both Josh and Rachin have been in our white-ball squads this summer, and it’s really exciting for them to now get this opportunity. 

“Josh hits the ball as long and as hard as anyone, and we were encouraged by his performances with the ball in his maiden ODI series against Bangladesh before Christmas. 

“Rachin’s talent and class has been clear to all over the past six months and, similar to Josh, it’s great to have his all-round skillset to call on in this squad.” 

BLACKCAPS T20I squad

KFC T20i Series v Australia

February 2024

*** SQUAD UPDATED 18/2/2024 ***

Mitchell Santner - captain, Northern Districts

Finn Allen - Wellington Firebirds

Trent Boult - games 2 + 3, Northern Districts

Mark Chapman - Auckland Aces

Josh Clarkson - uncapped - Central Stags

Devon Conway - wicketkeeper, Wellington Firebirds

Lockie Ferguson - Auckland Aces

Adam Milne - Wellington Firebirds

Glenn Phillips - Otago Volts

Rachin Ravindra - Wellington Firebirds

Ben Sears - Wellington Firebirds

Ish Sodhi - Canterbury

Tim Southee - game 1 only, Northern Districts

Will Young - Central Stags

Australia T20 squad

*** SQUAD UPDATED 18/2/2024 ***

Mitchell Marsh - captain

Sean Abbott

Jason Behrendorff

Tim David

Nathan Ellis

Josh Hazlewood

Travis Head

Josh Inglis

Spencer Johnson

Glenn Maxwell

Matt Short

Matthew Wade

David Warner

Adam Zampa

SCHEDULE

Game 1 • 7:10PM Wed 21 February • SKY Stadium, Wellington

Game 2 • 7:10PM Fri 23 February • Eden Park, Auckland

Game 3 • 1PM Sun 25 February • Eden Park, Auckland

Article added: Wednesday 14 February 2024