Kate Anderson of the Canterbury Magicians Photo: Photosport
Canterbury batter Kate Anderson and Auckland all-rounder Bella Armstrong have earned their maiden call-ups to the White Ferns for the upcoming tour of South Africa this month, just two years after receiving NZC Development contracts.
Two separate 15-player squads have been selected for a tour that comprises three ODIs and five T20Is, starting September 24.
Anderson's selection follows her most successful professional season, which saw her named NZC's Women's Domestic Player of The Year and put her in line to tour Sri Lanka with the White Ferns in July, before she was ruled out with a finger injury.
The 27-year-old smashed a chart-topping 536 runs at an average of 59 in the Super Smash, her run aggregate more than 100 clear of the next best female or male.
The 23-year-old Armstrong has been included for the T20I series only and will replace wicket-keeper Izzy Gaze, who will return home after the ODIs.
Coach Ben Sawyer said it was pleasing to be able to reward players for their performances on the domestic scene.
He said it was also great to welcome back pace-bowler Jess Kerr.
"It's a real bonus to have Jess back in the squad after injury ruled her out of the Sri Lanka tour," he said.
Bella Armstrong playing for Auckland. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"She's got a world-class bowling skill set and is especially effective with her in-swinger, which is proving more and more difficult in the women's game.
"Jess bookends the innings, especially in a T20 match, as she swings it up front and then bowls an amazing leg cutter at the death."
Otago allrounder Hayley Jensen wasn't considered for selection as she continues her rehabilitation from knee surgery in May.
White Ferns squad to tour South Africa
Sophie Devine (C)
Kate Anderson*
Bella Armstrong* (T20I only)
Suzie Bates
Bernadine Bezuidenhout
Eden Carson
Izzy Gaze (ODI only)
Maddy Green
Brooke Halliday
Fran Jonas
Melie Kerr
Molly Penfold
Georgia Plimmer
Hannah Rowe
Lea Tahuhu
*Uncapped for the WHITE FERNS
The White Ferns play South Africa in three ODI's starting on September 24.
The five match T20 series starts on October 6.