Wellington Blaze wicket-keeper Jess McFadyen has earned her maiden call-up to the WHITE FERNS squad for the upcoming tour to England.
She joins fellow Blaze teammates Maddy Green, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Thamsyn Newton and Sophie Devine in the 16-strong squad that departs for the UK next Friday.
McFadyen received her maiden WHITE FERNS contract for the 2021-22 season after impressive domestic form for the Wellington Blaze. She tours as a second wicket-keeping option alongside Katey Martin.
She has enjoyed a successful couple of years on the domestic scene for the Blaze. She was the third leading runscorer in last summer's Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaign with 397 runs and played an important role in the Dream11 Super Smash as the Blaze reached the Grand Final for a fourth consecutive season.
The wicketkeeper-batter also registered the eighth highest ever New Zealand women's List A score with 153 not out against Otago in the 2019-20 season.
WHITE FERNS coach Bob Carter said he was delighted that McFadyen had received her first call-up.
“This is a really exciting time for Jess,” said Carter.
“She has impressed at domestic cricket and thoroughly deserves her chance at the next level.
“Jess has an outstanding work ethic and we want cricketers who are determined and willing to work hard. If she gets her chance over in England I know she’ll be ready.
Meanwhile, Blaze all-rounder Amelia Kerr has opted out of the tour due to personal circumstances, citing the need to prioritise her mental health and well-being.
“I love representing New Zealand and playing for the WHITE FERNS,” said Kerr.
“However, after plenty of consultation with my support network, putting my mental health and well-being first is my number one priority.
“I’ve not taken this decision lightly - I feel this is best for me at the current time.”
Carter fully supported Kerr’s decision.
“Player welfare is paramount, particularly in today’s environment,” he said. “It’s important to respect the needs of the athletes.
“Amelia has shown a lot of courage in making this decision and I look forward to her return to the WHITE FERNS when the time is right.”
WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine was philosophical about Kerr’s absence from the UK tour.
“We’re obviously going to miss Melie in England,” said Devine.
“As a cricketer she offers plenty in all three aspects of the game and is great fun to have around off the park.
“Every individual knows how tough the environment is at the moment with Covid-19; time away from family, living in a bio-bubble or quarantine periods.
“We’re really fortunate we have great support around us from both New Zealand Cricket and the CPA.
“It’s important we talk openly about it because it can get tough and we need to ensure our players, teammates and friends are looked after. We’re all wrapping around Melie and know she’ll make a comeback when she’s ready.”
The WHITE FERNS depart for the UK on Friday August 13 with the first T20I against England on September 2 at County Ground, Chelmsford.
All WHITE FERNS v England ODIs and T20s will be broadcast LIVE on Spark Sport. Click here for a full schedule.
WHITE FERNS touring squad for England
Sophie Devine (c) (Wellington Blaze)
Amy Satterthwaite (vc) (Canterbury Magicians)
Suzie Bates (Otago Sparks)
Lauren Down (Auckland Hearts)
Claudia Green* (Central Districts Hinds)
Maddy Green (Wellington Blaze)
Brooke Halliday (Northern Districts Spirit)
Hayley Jensen (Otago Sparks)
Jess Kerr (Wellington Blaze)
Katey Martin (wk) (Otago Sparks)
Leigh Kasperek (Wellington Blaze)
Rosemary Mair (Central Districts Hinds)
Jess McFadyen* (wk) (Wellington Blaze)
Thamsyn Newton (Wellington Blaze)
Hannah Rowe (Central Districts Hinds)
Lea Tahuhu (Canterbury Magicians)
*potential debutant
Article added: Wednesday 04 August 2021
