Otago Sparks wicket-keeper Polly Inglis has received her maiden WHITE FERNS contract after a stellar season with the Sparks. 

Inglis joins fellow Sparks Suzie Bates, Eden Carson & Hayley Jensen in picking up the WHITE FERNS contracts ahead of the 2024-25 summer. 

An Otago Sparks mainstay since 2012, Inglis was pivotal for the side in this year’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign. 

She finished as the competition’s second-highest run-scorer, with a calm 35* in the final against the Wellington Blaze to help the Southerners secure the One Day title.

Inglis scooped up the Otago Sparks’ Fielder of The Year and Players’ Player awards for the 2023-24 season. 

WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer said he feels positive about the contract offers.

“We’ve landed on a strong list of 17 names that we think are going to play an important part over the next 12 months,” said Sawyer.

“It’s a familiar group made up of experienced and younger players that we believe are going to drive this team forward.”

“I’m excited about the way this group are progressing together and what they can achieve over the next year.”

Sawyer said planning for the next ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup was a key selection focus. 

“A big part of the selection process this year was looking at who could take part in the 2025 ODI World Cup.”

Sawyer said Inglis’ performances have made her the first pick for a backup wicketkeeper.

“Polly’s had a great domestic season with both bat and gloves and for that she’s been rewarded with a contract,” said Sawyer.

“Izzy Gaze at the moment is our number one keeper in both formats and she deserves that spot, but we need a backup keeper; we’ve spoken to Polly about that and she’s forced her way into this group.”

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

The WHITE FERNS depart for their tour to England on Thursday. 

WHITE FERNS central contract offers 2024-25:  Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Article added: Tuesday 11 June 2024