Third new recruit to join Tasmania’s female program for 2020-21 WNCL season

After falling out of favour for the second time with the New Zealand national team, veteran Rachel Priest has announced her international retirement and signed with Tasmania

Rachel Priest bats during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at WACA on February 22, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

TASMANIA’S recruiting spree has extended across the Tasman with Kiwi Rachel Priest to join the Tigers female program.

The Mercury can reveal Priest, who has played 87 ODI’s and 75 Twenty20 matches for New Zealand, has announced her retirement from the White Ferns after again being omitted from the country’s central contract list.

Priest had won back her national contract last year after being cut following the 2017 World Cup in England, and featured in the T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year.

However following a return of 60 runs in four innings the veteran, who turned 35 last weekend, found herself back out of favour.

Rachel Priest hits a boundary during the WBBL cricket match between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars last season. Picture: Brett Costello

It opened the door for the Tigers and Priest had no hesitation in accepting an offer when coach Salliann Briggs reached out.

“It was a pretty tough couple of years to be honest, initially losing the contract was a pretty difficult situation, I tried to get a lot of answers out of people I never really ended up getting,” Priest said.

MORE CRICKET

• Tigers add rookies

• Lack of locals a concern

• Opportunity to good to ignore for star recruit

“At that time I [felt] I really had something to offer and I was trying to get back in, then I finally did and then I guess to only have one season with them, and it was a bit of a broken up season with the coronavirus, so we didn’t even play that many games.

“I think if they wanted me to be playing I would have got a contract so for my own well being and mental health things, I thought I’ve played so many games, way more than I ever thought I would play for my country, it was time to bow out and look for the next opportunity.

“I got the call from Sal that they were looking to add some experience to their group, which was a call a little bit out of nowhere in a way.

“It is a pretty awesome opportunity and it will be cool to add some experience and learn some stuff as well from a new group of people.”

Rachel Priest in action for the Sydney Thunder. Picture: Brett Costello

Despite keeping for both her country and the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, Priest will focus purely on her batting with Tasmania, with Emily Smith to start as first choice keeper.

Priest joins Heather Graham (WA) and Naomi Stalenberg (NSW) as recruits to the program for the 2020-21 season, with local youngster Chloe Abel the other new face.