Lea Tahuhu among other veterans axed from New Zealand Annual Contract List

Days after Amy Satterthwaite announced her retirement from international cricket after being dropped from the annual contract, it is noted that other veterans have also missed out on the contract, including her wife, Lea Tahuhu.

The New Zealand women's team hosted the 2022 World Cup and had a disastrous campaign as they failed to qualify past the group stages. The results called for transition in the team, which can be seen now in the form of central contracts the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is offering them. 

A list of 17 players who are a part of the annual contract for the next 12 months was released, and experienced players such as Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Frankie Mackay, Leigh Kasperek, and Thamsyn Newton were the ones who were omitted from the contract.

Six young talents were handed their maiden contract in place of these expiring contracts. These players are Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold, Izzy Gaze, Nensi Patel, Eden Carson, and George Plimmer. 

Speaking about the significant changes on the side, White Ferns’ General Manager Bryan Stronach said that the team is looking for the future, and hence the contracts are given accordingly. They are looking for players that are most likely to represent them this upcoming year. 

He further added, "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 is about having on contract the players we're most likely to use during the next 12-month period,” Stronach added. 

Tahihu's absence has come as a shock for some fans as she was the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in this World Cup. Reacting to it, Stronach said, "It's never easy coming up with a final 17 players. 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," Stronach quoted according to Black Caps' official website.

The list of players included in the annual contract is as follows:

Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess McFadyen, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe