Lauren Down Returns to New Zealand Women's Contract List

New Zealand Women's cricket team has announced its 17-member squad for the 2024-25 season, with the return of batter Lauren Down and the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis.

Down, who has played 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is for New Zealand, declined a contract offer last season due to maternity leave. However, she has been recalled to the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of England and has now accepted a central contract.

Inglis, on the other hand, has earned her maiden central contract after impressing for New Zealand A and in the NZC Women's One Day Competition. She scored 103 runs in three one-dayers against England A and was the second-highest run-scorer in the domestic 50-over tournament.

New Zealand Women's head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the squad, stating that it comprises players who can contribute significantly over the next 12 months. He emphasized the importance of considering the 2025 ODI World Cup in the selection process.

Among the players who held central contracts in 2023-24, wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout has retired from international cricket, while batter Kate Anderson has not been offered a contract.

The 2024-25 contracting period begins on August 1, and the players have until June 17 to accept their offers.

Tags: #NZCricket, #LaurenDown, #PollyInglis, #CentralContracts, #Women'sCricket