Trouble, strife: More shock omissions

Tahuhu joins Satterthwaite in missing out on contract

It’s never easy coming up with a final 17 players. We’re excited about the six new faces.

Bryan Stronach

Veteran fast bowler Lea Tahuhu is one of five players to miss out on a White Ferns contract for the 2022-23 season.

It comes after Tahuhu’s wife Amy Satterthwaite announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday following her own omission from the White Ferns contract list.

Leigh Kasperek, Frankie Mackay and Thamsyn Newton were the three other players to not have their White Ferns contracts renewed.

Six players were offered annual contracts for the first time: Auckland Hearts trio Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold and Izzy Gaze, off-spinners Nensi Patel (Northern Brave) and Eden Carson (Otago Sparks), and Wellington Blaze batter Georgia Plimmer.

Another contracted White Fern, Katey Martin, was not considered after retiring last week.

New Zealand Cricket high performance boss Bryan Stronach said some tough calls had to be made.

“It’s never easy coming up with a final 17 players,” said Stronach. “Having said that, we’re excited about the six new faces receiving contract offers, several of whom already have some White Ferns experience.

“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.”

Stronach also acknowledged the commitment and professionalism of those not being offered contract renewals.

“They have given their all, have made great sacrifices and retain our absolute respect. It’s also important to emphasise 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 months.”

NZ Cricket said the final 17 players were based on playing history, the upcoming playing schedule and likelihood of players being involved during that period.

Players have until June 3 to accept or decline the contract offers.