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Bree Illing, Bella James Earn Maiden NZ Women's Central Contracts; Devine Opts For Casual Deal
High Performance Liz Green: Left-arm seamer Bree Illing and batter Bella James have earned their maiden New Zealand women's central contracts for the 2025-26 season, while veteran Sophie Devine opted for a casual playing contract following her announcement of retiring from ODI cricket after the 50-over World Cup later this year.
Illing and James, who are currently on a New Zealand A tour in England, assume the contract vacancies left by the recently retired Hayley Jensen, and Devine opting for a casual playing agreement.
The 21-year-old Illing made her domestic debut in 2022 and has quickly climbed the ranks, becoming the Auckland Hearts’ leading wicket-taker just three seasons later. Her left-arm swing has proved a force to be reckoned with, claiming 29 wickets across both formats this season, 21 of which were during the Hearts’ Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield campaign at an average of 21, including two four-wicket bags: 4-39 and 4-49.
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