Kristian Clarke
Te Awamutu raised cricketer Kristian Clarke was called into the Black Caps squad for the first time last week.
Kaipaki Centre, where cricket is played. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Kaipaki Cricket Club took to social media to celebrate
“Christmas has come early here at the Kaipaki Nation! One of our favourite sons Kristian Clarke has been brought into the Blackcaps ODI Squad,” a Kaipaki Cricket Club Facebook post announced.
Clarke, 24, who has also been a member of Te Awamutu Sports cricket, received international recognition for his standout performances at the 2020 under-19 world cup in South Africa.
The Northern Districts pace bowler was drafted into the squad to replace the injured Matt Henry. He joined training in Wellington last Friday ahead of the third and final ODI against England, though was not in the starting 11.
New Zealand won the series 3-0.
“I wasn’t really expecting it at all. I was just celebrating with the Northern Districts boys after a good win in New Plymouth when Mitchell Santner called,” he told The News.
It was a whirlwind week for Clarke, who scored his maiden century in the previous day’s Ford Trophy game against Central Stags and finished with bowling stats of 3/57.
Kristian Clarke
