New Zealand captain Amy Satterthwaite to take break from cricket after announcing pregnancy

The allrounder, who is having her child with wife and teammate Lea Tahuhu, will benefit from New Zealand Cricket's new pregnancy leave rules which will see her remain contracted and receive full pay

Amy Satterthwaite will become the first player to benefit from New Zealand Cricket's new pregnancy leave policy after the women's captain announced that she was expecting her first child with wife and team-mate Lea Tahuhu.

The allrounder, who became captain in October 2018, is expecting to give birth in January 2020 and is targeting a return during the 2021 Cricket World Cup, but will remain contracted and receive full pay thanks to the implementation of the Women's Master Agreement.

Satterthwaite, 32, will continue to act as a mentor for the White Ferns and will miss the T20 World Cup next year in Australia, but states that she and Tahuhu are "overjoyed" for the next stage in their lives.

Lea and I are thrilled to share that I am expecting our first child early in the new year. Words cannot describe how excited we are about this new chapter 🥰 #babysatterhuhu #jan2020 pic.twitter.com/UwRXJ3YMJx

— Amy Satterthwaite (@AmySatterthwait) August 20, 2019

"I am very lucky to have great support from NZC with regard to taking a break from the game to have a family," she said.

"I feel I still have a lot to give to the game and look forward to working my way back with an eye on the 2021 ICC Women's World Cup held in New Zealand.

"I look forward to being involved with the White Ferns squad where possible and offering support and knowledge in a mentoring capacity."

NZC chief executive David White added: "As soon as the Women's Master Agreement is signed off and confirmed, Amy will be announced as one of our contracted White Ferns for the 2019-20 year.

"As such, she will be the first player to benefit from the new pregnancy leave provisions included in the new agreement.

"This means she'll be paid her full retainer throughout and, although possibly fulfilling some off-field contractual obligations, will not be required to train or play."

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