Cricket

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.

Lauren Down, a 29-year-old New Zealand cricketer, is making a remarkable comeback to the national team just five months after giving birth to her daughter, Ruby. Down's return to the ODI squad for the upcoming series against England is a testament to her determination and the support she has received from her family and teammates.Down's journey back to the top has been challenging, but she has remained focused on her goal of representing New Zealand again. She has worked tirelessly to regain her fitness and has been inspired by the support of her partner and fellow White Ferns mums, Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu.Down's return to the top order is a significant development for the White Ferns. She has a proven track record of success in the top three, and her experience and leadership will be invaluable to the team. Down is eager to make a positive impact and help New Zealand build on their recent gains.The White Ferns have undergone a rigorous training program in preparation for the England tour, and Down's return has been met with enthusiasm by head coach Ben Sawyer. Sawyer believes that Down's presence at the top of the order will be a major asset to the team, especially in ODI cricket.Down's comeback is a reminder of the resilience and determination of female athletes. She has overcome significant challenges to return to the top of her sport, and her story is an inspiration to all who aspire to achieve their dreams.

Lauren Down, a seasoned New Zealand cricketer, is making a triumphant return to the international stage after a maternity leave. She will join the White Ferns squad for their upcoming tour of England, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is starting on June 26.Down, who has amassed 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is, last played for New Zealand at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Since then, she has taken a break from cricket to welcome her first child."We're thrilled to have Lauren back," said White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer. "She has dedicated herself to regaining her fitness and confidence over the past four months, and this tour provides the perfect opportunity to reintegrate her into the team."Down will be joined by fellow middle-order batter Mikaela Greig, who made her international debut in March against England. Greig's selection is a testament to her impressive performances for New Zealand A.Pace bowler Rosemary Mair will miss the tour due to back pain, while seamer Lea Tahuhu will remain in New Zealand for the birth of her second child. Off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will join the squad for the T20I leg.Molly Penfold returns to the team as a seam bowling option after her strong showing against England A in March. Hayley Jensen, who sustained a calf injury during the New Zealand A series, is still recovering and was not considered for selection.Sawyer emphasized that the tour is part of New Zealand's long-term planning for major events, including the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October and the 50-over tournament in India next year."Every series is an opportunity to evaluate our best playing XI," said Sawyer. "With the T20 and one-day World Cups approaching, it's crucial to assess how Lauren and Mikaela can contribute to our team."England emerged victorious in their recent T20I and ODI series against New Zealand in New Zealand. However, Sawyer remains optimistic about his team's chances in England."We didn't achieve the results we desired when we faced England at home, but we witnessed some promising performances from our players," said Sawyer. "Playing a world-class team like England in their own backyard will be a challenge, but we're confident that we've prepared ourselves to succeed."