New Zealand have omitted all-rounder James Franklin from their list of 20 contracted players for 2011-12.
Out with the old, in with the new for Black Caps
New Zealand have omitted all-rounder James Franklin from their list of 20 contracted players for 2011-12.
The left-arm pace bowler and middle-order batsman is one of seven players included last year who have failed to secure new contracts for the upcoming 12 months.
His exclusion comes as somewhat of a surprise following an eye-catching Indian Premier League campaign with the Mumbai Indians.
The 30-year-old Wellington all-rounder was named man of the match for his unbeaten 45 off 23 balls and his 2-35 as Mumbai beat the Kolkata Knight Riders to finish third in this season's IPL.
But his moderate performances for New Zealand, including at April's World Cup, cost him a central contract for next season.
Quality
Also gone from the list are the Test fast bowler Brent Arnel, the all-rounder Grant Elliott, wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins, Test opener Tim McIntosh, off-spinner Jeetan Patel, fast bowler Daryl Tuffey, and the retired batsman Scott Styris.
Wicketkeeper Reece Young, all-rounders Rob Nicol and Luke Woodcock, and the fast bowler Trent Boult have all won contracts.
Acting National Selection Manager Mark Greatbatch said: "Seven changes to the contracted list highlights the fact that there are a number of quality cricketers contesting for the top-20 contracts. That kind of competitiveness is good for our cricket.
"There is a good mix of experienced players and promising talent in a list that recognises strong domestic performances as well as good international form.
"As always, there were some tough decisions and some players with decent international records have missed out.
"Those players can play their way back into the reckoning by performing at domestic level."
New Zealand contracted players for 2011-12: Hamish Bennett, Trent Boult, Neil Broom, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Andy McKay, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock, Reece Young.
