Lauren Down and Rosemary Mair handed first New Zealand contracts

Batter Lauren Down and Face Bowler Rosemary Mair signed their first New Zealand central contract, and Rachel Priest, who played for the last time in 2017, was Anna Peterson. I came back to the list with

Down, 24, played nine ODIs and recorded a century against the Australian governor's XI earlier this year. The 20-year-old Mair has made his debut in India in February by participating in ODI and three T20Is in March.

"I want to make a bowl quickly so I'll focus on training and do my best with bowling coach Jacob Oram," Mair said. "We look forward to this and this agreement will give you the resources and time to focus and focus your energy on cricket."

The priest, meanwhile, offers the opportunity to resume his international career, which appeared 154 times in ODI and T20I. Her last appearance came from citing missing fitness issues with former coach Heidi Tifen at the 2017 World Cup in England. Earlier this year, she enjoyed an impressive KSL campaign in England and finished fourth with a record of 365 runs in 11 games of Western Storm.

Allrounder Peterson returned what was missing from last year's central contract and Kate Ebrahim and Jess Watkin fell.

The list of contracts is the first major announcement since Bob Carter was appointed head coach, focusing on creating squads for the T20 World Cup next year.

"We're looking forward to the South Africa series in New Zealand and next year's ICC T20 World Cup in Australia," he said. "Competition within the team is certainly positive for the environment. It's no surprise when professional players want to improve their country and play."

New Zealand doesn't have Captain Amy Satusweight, who announced his first child this season. The new captain next summer, visiting South Africa before the T20 World Cup in February and March, has not yet been confirmed.

A central contract Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Sophie Devine, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Katey Martin, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu