White Ferns gather pace as new mum returns
The White Ferns will get a muchneeded injection of ‘‘raw speed’’ with the return of new mum Lea Tahuhu.
Tahuhu, arguably the fastest bowler in the women’s game worldwide, skipped the current ODI series against South Africa following her and fellow White Fern Amy Satterthwaite welcoming their first child.
Following the birth of Grace Marie Satterthwaite on January 13, Tahuhu will return for next month’s T20 series against South Africa and then the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, later in February.
‘‘It’s been a whirlwind last couple of weeks – becoming a mum for the first time and everything that goes with it,’’ Tahuhu said.
Last August, Satterthwaite said she would be taking a break from all forms of cricket in order to have her first child.
In Tahuhu’s absence, the White Ferns have taken just five wickets combined in their eight and seven-wicket ODI losses to South Africa and the opening bowler is excited to get back in the mix and lead the White Ferns attack.
‘‘I’m grateful of Amy’s support back home and can’t wait to get stuck in at training ahead of the T20 series against South Africa.’’
The dead-rubber match in the three-game ODI series will be played in Hamilton today.
Tahuhu will not play the final ODI but has joined the squad early to start her bowling loading ahead of the T20 series.
She is the only change to the 15 strong ODI squad. Wicketkeeper-batswoman Bernadine Bezuidenhout has made way for Tahuhu.
The five-match T20 series against South Africa starts on February 2 at Tauranga’s Bay Oval and provides the White Ferns with a chance to find form before crossing the Tasman.
White Ferns coach Bob Carter is optimistic Tahuhu can be the catalyst to a change in fortunes.
‘‘It’s great to have her raw speed and experience back in the group.
‘‘Lea offers us plenty with the ball and will no doubt hurry a few batters up, especially in Australia on their fast, bouncy surfaces,’’ Carter said.