Wellington Blaze wicketkeeper batswoman Rachel Priest’s strong form in the Kia Super League and Women’s Big Bash League has been rewarded with a recall to the WHITE FERNS contracted list for the 2019-20 season.

Priest joins fellow Blaze players Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Maddy Green and Leigh Kasperek in the 17-strong list announced today by New Zealand Cricket.

Priest has appeared for the WHITE FERNS on 154 occasions, including 86 one-day internationals and 68 T20 internationals.

The 34-year-old returns to New Zealand to take up her contract following a successful winter with the Kia Super League’s Western Storm where she finished as the competitions fourth highest run scorer with 365, helping the Storm lift the title for second time in four years.

Priest said she was pleased with the recall and excited about the challenges ahead this summer.

“Yeah it feels great to be back with the WHITE FERNS,” she said.

“From what I’ve seen so far, Bob has assembled a great group and we’re all focused on making improvements as a team ahead of an exciting few months ahead.”

WHITE FERNS coach Bob Carter said he was looking forward to working with the team and making improvements where he can.

“It’s great to be involved with the WHITE FERNS and see who will put their hand up and demand selection over the coming months,” Carter said.

“It’s a big few months ahead as we look forward to the South Africa series here in New Zealand, then the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next year.”

Carter also thinks the blend of youth and experience within the squad will create a healthy competition for places in the starting XI.

“Competition within a team is most certainly a positive for the environment. It’s natural when you have professional athletes wanting to improve and play for their country.

“The new Master Agreement gives us coaches more face-to-face time with players which can only serve to improve skills and create a positive team culture.”

Head of High Performance, Bryan Stronach, said he is already seeing the benefits of offering an additional two contracts to WHITE FERNS players this season.

“This is all part of our commitment to our High Performance teams and giving them the best chance to perform and compete at the highest international level.

The WHITE FERNS are currently at a winter training camp at the NZC High Performance Centre in Lincoln which runs through to Wednesday October 2.

Article added: September 26, 2019