With the cricketing season underway, Auckland Hearts have announced their 18-player squad for the 2021-22 season. The team led by New Zealand’s Lauren Down includes three New Zealand Cricket Development contract players – Bella Armstrong, Fran Jonas, and Molly Penfold while Nine from the squad have signed the Domestic Playing Agreement for 2021-22.
As per the agreement, players are given financial support for preparation and playing time throughout the summer. Initiated in 2019, this agreement expands the number of contracted players and thus, brings out the hidden talents and prepares them well for the upcoming World Cup. The ones signing this contract for 2021-22 are Skye Bowden, Izzy Gaze, Holly Huddleston, Arlene Kelly, Tariel Lamb, Regina Lilii, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Jesse Prasad.
Apart from the above-mentioned players, the Hearts squad which competes in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, and the Super Smash competition consists of Jane Barnett, Sarah Carnachan, Amie Hucker, Breearne Illing, Saachi Shahri.
While the team has some new faces making it to the 18, it also welcomes a new addition to the coaching staff, the experienced Donovan Grobbelaar
In a report by aucklandcricket.co.nz, allrounder Arlene Kelly who is one among nine to sign the Domestic Player Agreement, shared her comments on the team’s preparation amidst the extended lockdown, “We are all well-rehearsed with Zoom calls now, so we have kept communication lines open around how we are tracking individually and as a team. Bowlers have been sharing different ways of getting loads in (such as bowling into a bedsheet), and our new assistant coach has been fantastic ensuring bowlers are as prepared as we can. Our biggest challenge so far has naturally been the uncertainty and stop-start introduction we have had to the season. Losing an entire pre-season hasn’t been easy, but we are all absolutely fizzing to get back into it as soon as we can.”
Auckland Hearts Squad for 2021-22-:
White Ferns Contract – Lauren Down
New Zealand Cricket Development Contracts – Bella Armstrong, Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold
Domestic Playing Agreements – Skye Bowden, Izzy Gaze, Holly Huddleston, Arlene Kelly, Tariel Lamb, Regina Lilii, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Jesse Prasad
Squad Members – Jane Barnett, Sarah Carnachan, Amie Hucker, Breearne Illing, Saachi Shahri
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