Batter Bella James and Left-arm fast bowler Bree Illing have earned their maiden New Zealand central contracts (NZC Contract) for the 2025-26 season.

The duo comes after Hayley Jensen’s retirement and Sophie Devine opting for a casual contract after announcing her ODI Retirement after the end of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 later this year.

The pair is currently part of the New Zealand A squad touring England. The 21-year-old Bree Illing has made her ODI and T20I debut this summer against Sri Lanka and Auckland’s highest wicket taker in domestic Cricket season.

Meanwhile Bella James contract comes after his batting stints to another Hallyburton Johnstone Shield title. She made her ODI and T20I debuts 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.

“Bella’s been a consistent performer at the domestic level and had a great debut series against Australia last year.

New Zealand Women Central Contract: 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