The New Zealand Cricket board seems to have thought ahead of time, as they contract six new players on a 17 players’ list, leveaing the veterans. The WHITE FERNS annual contract for the year 2022-23 comprises of six newcomers i.e. Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold and Izzy Gaze, Nensi Patel and Eden Carson, and Georgia Plimmer.
Out of the six new players, Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold and Izzy Gaze are a part of Auckland Hearts, whereas Nensi Patel plays for the Northern Braves, Eden Carson belongs to the Otago Sparks and GerogiaPlimmer is a Wellington Blaze batter. They are given time until the 3rd of June to accept or decline their offer as per the NZC’s Master Agreement.
The remaining players were contracted in the last NZC agreement. Some major names like Canterbury Magicians trio Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu and Frankie Mackay and Leigh Kasperek and Thamsyn Newton from Wellington Blaze have not been reconsidered by the board.
Bryan Stronach, NZC’s General Manager, clarified the board’s decision and called it a tough job. Considering the team’s performance in the recent games, Stronach mentioned, “It’s never easy coming up with a final 17 players.”
He further added, “Having said that, we’re excited about the six new faces receiving contract offers, several of whom already have some WHITE FERNS experience under their belt.
“To be in a position in which we’re genuinely considering the credentials of a wider pool of players can only be viewed as a positive for the women’s game.”
He also acknowledged the players missing from the contract and lauded them for their professionalism and dedication to the team and the game of cricket.
“They have given their all; have made great sacrifices, and retain our absolute respect,” he said. “It’s also important to emphasize that, just because someone hasn’t received a national contract offer, it doesn’t mean they cannot, or will not, be selected. This is about having on contract the players we’re most likely to use during the next 12 month period.”
While congratulating the six new comers, he spoke of their potential while manifesting the board’s future.
Stronach said, “Fran Jonas and Molly Penfold have both spent a decent amount of time with the group and we hope they’ll continue to develop and grow in the environment.
“Izzy Gaze joins Jess McFadyen as another wicket-keeping option and we look forward to those two working together to improve their skills. Georgia Plimmer was a late injury replacement in our World Cup squad last season, so has been around the group, while Nensi Patel and Eden Carson have both shone at domestic level.”
NZC has very well evaluated the player’s playing history and values, past performances, upcoming schedules and players’ availability while narrowing down the list to 17 players.
Players offered central contracts for 2022-23 by New Zealand Cricket:
Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess McFadyen, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe
