NZC have identified its 17-strong list of those offered annual WHITE FERNS contracts for the 2022-23 year.

Of those 17 contracts, NZC have included 6 new players receiving annual contract offers for the first time.

This group comprises of Auckland Hearts trio Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold and Izzy Gaze, off-spinner Nensi Patel (Northern Brave), Wellington Blaze batter, Georgia Plimmer, and now the SBS Bank Otago Sparks very own Eden Carson!

Carson wins herself a contract on the back of a very successful 2022/23 season with the Otago Sparks – attending Grand Finals in both women’s domestic competitions, taking over 30 wickets across formats, and breaking Otago Sparks bowling records.

While many may have suggested Carson may be close to a WHITE FERNS call-up, the contract offer came as a complete surprise to the young spinner.

“I was initially really shocked when I received the call, and actually started crying after I hung up!” Carson explained.

“Receiving my first WHITE FERNS contract means a lot to both myself and my family. The news really didn’t sink in until I called Mum & Dad,” Carson continued.

“Them telling me how proud they were of me was almost better than getting the call itself!”.

Carson credited her family, friends, and her team for her achievement.

“My family, friends, and family within the Otago Sparks have definitely been a major factor in getting to where I am today with my cricket,” said Carson.

“Craig (Cumming) & my Sparks team-mates have especially helped me to grow my game and achieve my goals – which is to play for the WHITE FERNS.”

The remaining contracted players all featured on last season’s list and, with the six newcomers, have until May 19 to accept or decline their offers as per NZC’s Master Agreement with the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.

The Otago Sparks duo of Suzie Bates & Hayley Jensen retain their contracts, while Katey Martin was not considered after retiring from all forms of cricket last week.

Canterbury Magicians trio, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu and Frankie Mackay, and Wellington Blaze duo Leigh Kasperek and Thamsyn Newton, have missed out on receiving offers to renew their existing contracts.

NZC GM of High-Performance Cricket, Bryan Stronach, acknowledged some tough calls had to be made as the team and NZC considered the next few seasons of WHITE FERNS cricket.

“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 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.”

Click here for NZC’s FULL STORY.

Players 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     

*ENDS*

Article added: Friday 27 May 2022