Josh Clarkson

Josh Clarkson has established himself as a premier all-rounder in New Zealand's domestic circuit, becoming a cornerstone of the Central Stags’ success across all formats. Standing at 6'3', he utilizes his physical presence to generate significant power, making him a dangerous lower-middle-order 'finisher' with over 2,000 T20 runs and a career strike rate exceeding 140. After overcoming back injuries that previously limited his bowling, Clarkson has re-emerged as a vital right-arm medium-fast option, recently finishing the 2025/26 Ford Trophy as the competition's leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps. His ability to anchor an innings with a monumental 166* in first-class cricket or dismantle attacks with aggressive ball-striking highlights a high-impact player who thrives under pressure.

His consistent domestic performances earned him a breakthrough into the international arena, making his ODI debut in late 2023 and his T20I debut against Australia in early 2024. Clarkson’s value as a dual-threat player was evident during the 2026 T20I series against South Africa, where he showcased his versatility by contributing quick-fire cameos and timely breakthroughs with the ball. As a seasoned campaigner with experience in the Caribbean Premier League, he brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and a winning pedigree to the national setup. Transitioning into the peak years of his career at 29, Clarkson is increasingly seen as a natural successor in the Black Caps' search for a balanced, high-IQ all-rounder capable of turning a match in any phase.