Cricket: Amy Satterthwaite retires from international cricket after New Zealand contract snub

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New Zealand batter Amy Satterthwaite has announced her retirement from international cricket after being told she would not receive a new central contract.

Satterthwaite, New Zealand's most capped ODI player, captained the team in 2018 and 2019 having made her debut in 2007. Overall she amassed 145 ODI matches and 111 T20Is.

Her ODI record was particularly outstanding with 4639 runs - making her New Zealand's second-highest scorer behind Suzie Bates - including seven centuries, four of which came in consecutive innings during 2016-17 which equaled the world record alongside Kumar Sangakkara. Her offspin also claimed 50 ODI wickets while in T20Is she had a best of 6 for 17 against England in 2007 which remains New Zealand's best return in the format.

"It is with a degree of sadness that I announce my retirement from international cricket," Satterthwaite said. "It has been a tough few days after learning of NZC's decision to head in a new direction and contract some younger cricketers.

"I am disappointed not to be receiving a contract and believe I still had more to offer, however I respect NZC's decision and I wish the White Ferns all the best as they embark on an exciting winter of cricket, including the Commonwealth Games. I'll be supporting them all the way."

Speaking to reporters in Christchurch later on Thursday, she added: "It's come out of the blue and a bit of a shock. I haven't been given any insight that this was the direction they wanted to go. It was pretty devastating to hear...and it's been an emotional few days to digest it all and comes to term with it."

Bryan Stronach, NZC's general manager of high performance, lauded Sattherhwaite's achievements but explained that the aim of the contracts list - which will be confirmed on Friday - was to blood some new players and have a focus on T20I cricket with the Commonwealth Games later this year then the T20 World Cup in early 2023. New Zealand are yet to confirmed their new head coach following Bob Carter's planned departure after the ODI World Cup.

"Amy will be remembered as one of our best cricketers; her record is outstanding, and she can feel really proud about what she has achieved - not just for herself and the team, but also for all the players she has inspired and enabled," he said.

"Essentially, we're looking to the future and want to give some younger cricketers a chance to develop their skills surrounded by our high performance systems. We also considered the immediate playing programme and next pinnacle events - both heavily weighted towards T20I cricket."

Satterthwaite will continue to play domestic cricket for Canterbury Magicians and has a contract in the Hundred with Manchester Originals. Having returned to international cricket after the birth of her first daughter, Grace, she added she hoped to have shown what was possible.

"I'm immensely proud of my journey with the White Ferns and especially taking the time away to give birth to our daughter, Grace, before returning to play international cricket," she said. "I didn't know if I would ever make it back to the top level and I hope my story can inspire other mums and mums-to-be that it is possible to follow your career dreams and start a family."

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