Lea Tahuhu misses the bus as NZC announce central contracts for 2022-23

New Zealand Cricket have announced central contracts for the 2022-23 season for their women’s team while including six new faces in the 17-member list. However, senior pacer Lea Tahuhu hasn’t found a place on the list and it comes after the much-hyped snub of Amy Satterthwaite from the central contract list. The former White Ferns’ skipper Satterthwaite announced her international retirement after being disappointed by the contract announcement for the fresh season.

The names which have been sidelined from the important list are – Katey Martin (retired last week), Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Frankie MacKay, Leigh Kasperek, and Thamsyn Newton. The above names were very much part of the last year’s list and the new entrants in the list include – Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold, Izzy Gaze, Nensi Patel, Eden Carson, and Georgia Plimmer.

As per the NZC’s Master Agreement with players, the players have been given the time period of June 3 to accept or decline the current offer. NZC GM of High-Performance Cricket, Bryan Stronach opened up on some tough calls taken while the announcement of central contracts.

It’s never easy coming up with a final 17 players: NZC GM of High-Performance Cricket

“They have given their all; have made great sacrifices, and retain our absolute respect. It’s also important to emphasize that, just because someone hasn’t received a national contract offer, it doesn’t mean they cannot, or will not, be selected. This (national contracts) is about having on contract the players we’re most likely to use during the next 12-month period,” he added,” said NZC GM of High-Performance Cricket, Bryan Stronach as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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

New Zealand Women offered central contracts for 2022-23: Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess McFadyen, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe