Photo Credit: New Zealand Cricket
Several familiar faces are part of the next wave of women’s cricketing talent who have signed Women’s Development Contracts for the 2021-22 season.
Seam bowlers Claudia Green and Molly Penfold travel with the WHITE FERNS to England this winter, while Gabby Sullivan and Kate Anderson were both part of WHITE FERNS squads last summer against England and Australia.
“I’ve been training my butt off since that WHITE FERNS tour, so it’s really nice to get the recognition for the hard work I’ve put in,” Sullivan said.
“I’m super fizzed to receive a Development Contract,” said Green.
“I loved my experience with the New Zealand eleven last season and I’m looking forward to spending more time on my game thanks to this contract,” she said.
Head of Women’s High Performance, Ant Sharp, said it’s great to see the newly contracted group already familiarising themselves with the WHITE FERNS environment.
“To have Claudia and Molly part of the WHITE FERNS squad touring England shows the Women’s Development Contracts are creating a pathway to the highest level,” said Sharp.
“These contracts give up-and-coming female cricketers a chance to learn, grow and develop not only as players but as people too.”
“Part of the criteria for these contracts is picking players with potential to earn WHITE FERNS contracts in the future,” he said.
Canterbury Magicians duo Sarah Asmussen and Gabby Sullivan both received Development Contacts for the first time and said they were grateful for the balance it would provide.
“Last summer I worked two jobs, studied and played for the Magicians; this year I won’t need to have such a big workload,” said Asmussen.
“To be able to cut back on work commitments and channel my focus into my cricket is really exciting,” said Sullivan.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with my Development Contract, I know the hard work is only just starting,” she added.
Women’s Development Contracts 2021-22
Kate Anderson (Northern Spirit)
Bella Armstrong (Auckland Hearts)*
Sarah Asmussen (Canterbury Magicians)
Claudia Green (Central Hinds)
Fran Jonas (Auckland Hearts)*
Nensi Patel (Northern Spirit)
Molly Penfold (Auckland Hearts)
Gabby Sullivan (Canterbury Magicians)
*Second Development Contract
Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
