Cricket: White Ferns contracted players announced

Suzie Bates. Photo / Andrew Warner

A strong blend of youth and experience makes up the first contracted list of ten White Ferns players for the season between 1 August 2014 and 31 July 2015.

Senior players such as captain Suzie Bates, Sara McGlashan and Rachel Priest all received contracts, while also rewarding strong performances from last season's international newcomers Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen and Felicity Leydon-Davis.

The contracts come under the terms of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA).

It will be the first occasion a group of New Zealand women's players have been retained on annual contracts for playing cricket, having previously been only paid assembly fees when training and playing for the White Ferns.

White Ferns Coach Hamish Barton was pleased with the balance they'd struck.

"This group of players are expected to form the core of our team over the next 12 months and likely play a key role in how successful we are during this time," says Barton.

"Young players like Felicity Leydon-Davis and Hayley Jensen really took their opportunities during the summer and we're excited about their ongoing development. That's balanced out by more experienced players like Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, so there's a good mix in there."

"It's a busy upcoming summer for us and I know that both myself and the team are incredibly excited about the opportunities in front of us, beginning with our tour of the West Indies in September."

Veteran all-rounder Nicola Browne opted out of consideration, as her current job with the Hamilton City Council may mean she isn't available for every tour.

"Nicola is really keen to stay involved, but also has a number of exciting things going on outside of cricket and we understand that. She's a valued member of the side and we'll be working closely with her."

Contracted White Ferns for 2014-15 season
Suzie Bates (Otago Volts)
Samantha Curtis (Auckland Hearts)
Sophie Devine (Wellington Blaze)
Holly Huddleston (Auckland Hearts)
Hayley Jensen (Canterbury Magicians)
Felicity Leydon-Davis (Northern Spirit)
Sara McGlashan (Auckland Hearts)
Morna Nielsen (Northern Spirit)
Katie Perkins (Auckland Hearts)
Rachel Priest (Wellington Blaze)