Congratulations for Polly Inglis earning her first White Ferns contract.

Polly played for PCC 2017/18 to 2018/19 season scoring 250 runs at 27.78 with one century 100 not out.

Full news can be found here:
https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/06/11/polly-inglis-earns-first-white-ferns-contract-offer/

‍

A day after Black Sticks veteran Hugo Inglis won the Nations Cup with the NZ men's hockey team in Poland, the Inglis household has another reason to celebrate.

Sister Polly has been named as the lone newcomer in the White Ferns' contract list.

“We joke about Hugo being the favourite child a lot," laughed Polly.

"I guess it's been an inspiration to try and take the number one spot."

Inglis’ offer comes after she featured in the New Zealand A side that beat England A in a one-day home series in March.

An Otago Sparks mainstay since 2012, the 28-year-old 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 not out in the final against the Wellington Blaze to help the Southerners secure the one day title.

“She certainly got an education on how to field," joked brother Hugo.

"We didn't let her bat or bowl too often, but she was an, an excellent fielder."

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

Sawyer said Inglis’ performances have made her the first pick for back-up wicketkeeper.

“We've definitely had our eye on Polly for a while, in particular as a keeper/bat. I want to stress that - the batting and what she brings is important as well.”

The 28-year-old thanks her hockey background for that. A promising player in that code, she played in the National Hockey League and was also selected for the Development Black Sticks.

“I guess once they see me bat, they might notice a bit of a hockey swing," she said.

"I got the opportunity to go to England and play county cricket over there and learnt chasing the summers was pretty fun. – So, I continued with that.

"I just want to play with as much confidence as possible and enjoy it because playing for your country is a bit of an honour. "

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

The White Ferns depart for their tour to England on Thursday.

Contract offers have

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

By Michelle Prendiville, 1News Sport Reporter