[1][2] Cleverley played in two Tests for the New Zealand national cricket team, 14 years apart, but failed to take a wicket in either match.

He also played for Piako against the touring MCC side in February 1936, and for Taranaki against Nelson in the Hawke Cup in December 1952.

Cleverley played in New Zealand's inaugural Test match against South Africa, at Christchurch in February 1932.

Cleverley bowled 22 overs without success, and scored 10* and 7 with the bat, and New Zealand were beaten by an innings and 12 runs.

After this debacle, which highlighted the gap in quality between the sides, Australia and New Zealand did not play against each other in Test cricket until 1973.