Tahuhu receives central contract return as New Zealand name offer list
Tahuhu joins wicket-keeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout and young batter Kate Anderson as players to be offered 2023/2024 contracts having missed out last season.
The contract is a just reward for Tahuhu, who has remained a key New Zealand player over the last 12 months, particularly in the T20I arena, taking 19 wickets in 14 outings, including eight scalps in New Zealand's ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign in South Africa earlier in the year.
Best of Lea Tahuhu | Women's T20WC 2023
Best of Lea Tahuhu for New Zealand at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023
Bezuidenhout meanwhile returns to the list of offered players following a two-year absence from sport as she recovered from RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). Like Tahuhu, she also played a part in New Zealand's T20 World Cup campaign, scoring a maiden T20 international half-century against Bangladesh at Newlands.
Newcomer Anderson has been rewarded for a stellar domestic summer, topping the domestic T20 scoring list with a record-breaking 536, also amassing 343 runs in the domestic one-day competition.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said the contract offers were reflective of strong performances over the past year.
“This is a really exciting time for all our contracted players, especially for those returning to the list and receiving a contract for the first time,” Sawyer said.
“We’re delighted to be able to reward Kate Anderson with her first contract after her really impressive performances in domestic cricket last summer.
“Lea has been an important figure in our group over the last 12 months and has taken her game to a new level while also bringing strong leadership and helping with the development of our less experienced White Ferns.
“Bernie has been on a real journey over the last two years and her inclusion is testament to her work ethic and commitment to her game.
“She showed at the World Cup what she can offer with both the bat and the gloves, so we’re looking forward to building on that skillset and mindset over the coming season.”
New Zealand smash highest score of tournament so far against Bangladesh | Women's T20WC 2023
An aggressive showing with the bat helped New Zealand to a big total of 189/3 against Bangladesh in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup
Wicket-keeper Jess McFadyen and all-rounder Nensi Patel have not received a contract offer for the summer, while Lauren Down, who was offered a central contract for the 2023/24 season, has opted not to take up an agreement this season due to family reasons.
New Zealand depart for the tour to Sri Lanka on Thursday, with Anderson (finger), Hayley Jensen (knee) and Jess Kerr (toe) unavailable due to injury.
New Zealand women's central contract offers 2023/24: Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
