For the first time, wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis has been offered a central contract by New Zealand Cricket, while batter Lauren Down makes her return to the list of contracted players. Down, who had previously declined a contract last season due to maternity leave, is among the 17 players receiving central contracts for the 2024-25 period. She has been included in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of England later this month.
Lauren Down, with 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is to her name, last played for New Zealand in a One Day International against Bangladesh in December 2022.
The 2024-25 contract period will commence on August 1, with players having until June 17 to accept their offers.
Polly Inglis, also named in the contracts list, has been offered a central contract for the first time. Inglis recently scored 103 runs in three one-day matches for New Zealand A against England A at home in March, contributing to the series win of 2-1. Before this, she accumulated 324 runs in New Zealand Cricket's Women's One-Day Competition, making her the second-highest scorer in the domestic 50-over tournament.
Ben Sawyer, head coach of New Zealand’s women’s team, commented on the contract offers, stating that they have identified a robust group of 17 players expected to play key roles in the upcoming year. He noted, "A significant part of our selection process focused on those who could be pivotal in the 2025 ODI World Cup."
From last year’s centrally-contracted roster, wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout, who has retired from international cricket, and batter Kate Anderson did not receive offers for the new season.
New Zealand Women’s Central Contract Offers for 2024-25:
- Suzie Bates
- Eden Carson
- Sophie Devine
- Lauren Down
- Izzy Gaze
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Polly Inglis
- Hayley Jensen
- Fran Jonas
- Jess Kerr
- Amelia Kerr
- Rosemary Mair
- Molly Penfold
- Georgia Plimmer
- Hannah Rowe
- Lea Tahuhu