Pregnancy clause was saving grace
Amy Satterthwaite isn’t usually recognised as one of New Zealand women’s cricket’s trailblazers.
The Cantabrian isn’t known for explosive hitting like Suzie Bates or Sophie Devine, nor has she been as outspoken as the pair when it comes to areas like pay and contracts. But what she’s achieved is just as significant.
Last August, it was announced New Zealand Cricket had a new collective agreement for female players. While the increase in player payments garnered plenty of attention, it also included a crucial pregnancy provision.
Satterthwaite’s been the first player to spend time away from the game to be a mum to now 41⁄2-month-old Grace, and get paid for it.
“It wasn’t in place when I got pregnant so it wasn’t something that had been discussed. So we knew the position we’d be in and planned for that. It’s just like any family, you make it work with budgets and you just get through it,” she told the Herald.
“In a way this is like a little bonus. It’s knowing you’ve got that security to go away and start a family, but to also know you can come back has been relaxing and taken the pressure off.”
Satterthwaite’s married to fellow White Fern Lea Tahuhu, and both were this week included in the White Ferns’ central contract list for the next 12 months. Tahuhu took time off when Grace was first born, but the fast bowler then returned to the side in February for the Twenty20 home series against South Africa and subsequent T20 World Cup.
Covid-19 and the already established calendar means Satterthwaite won’t be back in the pink and black until September at the earliest.
“I picked up a bat once during lockdown to do one of those toilet paper challenges but that’s been it. I literally had to dust cobwebs off my helmet this week.” Satterthwaite’s return will add much needed balance to the side, particularly in one-day internationals. She’ll slot back at No 3, allowing Bates, who batted there against South Africa over the home summer, to go back to the top of the order.
But her return will also result in a potentially awkward conversation. Satterthwaite had been skipper for 18 months before going on leave, with Devine handed the captain’s armband. But with Satterthwaite back, who will be in charge?
“I don’t think it’s up to me to answer, it’s probably up to [coach] Bob [Carter] to work out what’s best for the team,” Satterthwaite said.