Ish Sodhi, Indian-Born Legspinner, Included in New Zealand Central Contract List

Batsmen Henry Nicholls and George Worker have been included for the first time on New Zealand Cricket's list of 21 contracted players.

Nicholls has played two Tests and 10 ODIs for New Zealand since his debut in February, and the 26-year-old Worker played two ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals last year.

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and batting allrounder Colin Munro return to the list after missing out last season.

Along with Worker and Nicholls they take places on the list, previously of 20 players, which have been vacated by former captain Brendon McCullum and his brother Nathan, who have retired from international cricket, and allrounder Grant Elliott, who is now available only for Twenty20 matches.

Sodhi was the star bowler for New Zealand in the recently concluded 2016 World T20, picking up 10 wickets in five games at an average of 12.

Speaking to the official website of New Zealand Cricket (Blackcaps.co.nz), selector Gavin Larsen said, "We've been really happy with the performance on the international stage. Henry and Worker have made bright starts to their New Zealand careers and we look forward to watching their ongoing development."

List of Contracted Players For 2016/17 season

Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, George Worker - Central Districts