Bree Illing, Bella James earn first New Zealand women's central contracts

ANI June 18, 2025 226 views

Auckland Hearts' left-arm seamer Bree Illing and Otago Sparks' batter Bella James have earned their first New Zealand Cricket central contracts. The duo replaces retiring veterans Hayley Jensen and Sophie Devine in the 2025-26 squad. Illing impressed during her debut series against Sri Lanka, while James finally got her international call-up a decade after her domestic debut. Both players are currently developing their skills with the New Zealand A team in England.

"Bree had an outstanding series against Sri Lanka... she's ready for international cricket" - Ben Sawyer, NZ Women's Head Coach
Wellington, June 18: Auckland Hearts' left-arm seamer Bree Illing and Otago Sparks' batter Bella James have earned their maiden central contracts after being named in the 2025-26 season list announced by New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday.

Key Points

1

Bree Illing debuted for White Ferns vs Sri Lanka in 2025

2

Bella James waited 10 years since domestic debut for int'l call-up

3

Contracts fill gaps left by retiring Hayley Jensen and Sophie Devine

4

Both players currently touring England with NZ A squad

Illing and James are currently touring England with New Zealand A. The duo filled the vacant spot left by Hayley Jensen and Sophie Devine. While Jensen announced her retirement recently, Devine confirmed that she would have her last dance in the ODIs during the 50-over World Cup in India later this year and opted for a casual contract.

The 21-year-old swing bowler Illing made her T20I and ODI debut for the White Ferns earlier this year against Sri Lanka. She dazzled in the domestic circuit and finished as Auckland's highest wicket-taker last season, scything 29 scalps at 21.

James earned her first contract after several seasons of hard work on the domestic scene. She earned her maiden international call-up almost 10 years after the day in 2014 when she made her Sparks debut at just 16 years of age. James announced herself in the international circuit, earning her maiden ODI and T20I caps against Australia in December 2024 and March 2025, respectively.

"Bree had an outstanding series against Sri Lanka. To show up the way she did against a world-class batter like Chamari Athapaththu shows she's ready for international cricket," New Zealand women's head coach Ben Sawyer said, as quoted from a statement by New Zealand Cricket.

"Bella's been a consistent performer at the domestic level and had a great debut series against Australia last year. She's got the competencies that we believe will succeed at the international level," Swayer added.

The complete list of players centrally contracted for 2025-2026 includes Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Great to see new talent emerging in women's cricket! Both Bree and Bella seem promising. Hope they get to play against India soon - would love to see how they perform against our Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
Interesting to see Sophie Devine moving to casual contract. She's been such a strong player for NZ. Hope the new girls can fill those big shoes! The transition period in women's cricket is always challenging but exciting.
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Arjun S.
Bella James' journey is inspiring - 10 years of domestic grind before international debut! Shows the importance of persistence. Hope BCCI takes note - we need to nurture our domestic players better instead of just focusing on IPL glamour.
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Sunita R.
The way NZ cricket manages transitions is commendable. In India we either cling to seniors too long or discard newcomers too quickly. Balance is key! Also excited for the World Cup in India later this year - hope our girls bring the trophy home! 💪
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Vikram J.
While it's great to see new talent, I hope NZ Cricket gives them proper time to settle. Sometimes too much pressure too soon can break young players. Remember what happened with some of our Indian talents who were hyped too early?
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Neha P.
Bree's performance against Chamari Athapaththu is impressive - she's one of the most dangerous batters in women's cricket right now. Looking forward to seeing more women's cricket matches between India and NZ - always produces exciting contests!

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Tags:
New Zealand women's cricket Bree Illing Bella James White Ferns NZC contracts Sophie Devine Hayley Jensen