Central allrounder earns White Ferns contract

Exciting Central Hinds allrounder Jess Watkin has been offered a contract with the White Ferns on the back of a sparkling start to her international career.

The 20-year-old from Whanganui is one of four new players offered contracts on this year’s list of 15 – which also includes a first-time offer for versatile Northern Spirit wicketkeeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout.

Missing from the contracted players list were Rachel Priest, Thamsyn Newton and Anna Peterson. Canterbury’s Erin Bermingham has retired from international cricket.

Watkin and Bezuidenhout both debuted on the recent tour of Ireland and England, where the former was able to cement her place in the team with impressive performances with bat and ball.

‘‘Getting a taste of international cricket in Ireland and England left me wanting more and it’s awesome that I’ll now be able to train and play all year round,’’ said Watkin, adding that the contract was ‘‘a dream come true’’ for her.

The other two players added to the list from last year are Canterbury Magicians allrounders Hayley Jensen and Kate Ebrahim, who both made successful comebacks to the White Ferns this year.

Players have until Monday to accept the offered contracts.

2018-2019 contracts White Ferns: Suzie Bates, Bernadine

Bezuidenhout, Sophie Devine, Kate Ebrahim, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Watkin.