Two new White Ferns contracted
TWO new players will join an experienced core in the White Ferns this season with the announcement of the 201920 contract list.
Auckland batsman Lauren Down and Central Districts pace bowler Rosemary Mair have received their first national contracts.
They have already played for the White Ferns but are new to the contracts list.
The 17strong list also features a return for Wellington wicketkeeper Rachel Priest and Auckland captain Anna Peterson.
The pair bring more than 200
international caps of experience between them.
Down, who toured with the White Ferns to Australia earlier this year, is relishing the chance to focus on cricket full time.
‘‘The experience I’ve already had with the White Ferns has been great and I’m looking forward to spending more time in the environment,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s a great chance to develop my cricket and I’ll be working hard throughout the season and looking to take any opportunities that come my way.’’
Mair (22) said her first national contract brings with it a chance to develop her bowling.
‘‘I want to bowl fast, so my training will be centred around that and working with bowling coach Jacob Oram to get the best out of my action,’’ Mair said.
‘‘I’m excited for what’s ahead and this contract gives me the resources and time to really commit and focus my energy on cricket.’’
Newly signed Otago Sparks player Hayley Jensen features on the list alongside her new provincial teammates Suzie Bates and Katey Martin.
White Ferns coach Bob Carter said he was looking forward to working with the team and making improvements where he can.
‘‘It’s a big few months ahead as we look forward to the South Africa series here in New Zealand, then the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next year.
‘‘Competition within a team is most certainly a positive for the environment. It’s natural when you have professional athletes wanting to improve and play for their country.
‘‘The new Master Agreement gives us coaches more facetoface time with players which can only serve to improve skills and create a positive team culture.’’
The White Ferns are at a winter training camp at the NZC High Performance Centre, in Lincoln, which runs until October 2.