Amy Satterthwaite, New Zealand women's captain, will be the first player to benefit from NZC's new pregnancy leave policy.

New Zealand Cricket's new policy will ensure Satterthwaite and other White Fern players remain entitled to full pay without the obligation of training or playing. This policy is groundbreaking for professional women's cricket in New Zealand in terms of the levels of financial support offered to female cricketers.

David White, the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket explained how the new policy would impact the New Zealand women's captain Satterthwaite: “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."

Satterthwaite, 32, has played in 119 ODIs and 99 Twenty 20s and became the first woman to score a century in four consecutive one-day innings in 2017.

The Christchurch native is expecting her baby with wife and fellow White Ferns cricketer, Lea Tahuhu, in January 2020. The couple, who married in March 2017, announced their news in a statement via NZC.

"Lea and I are overjoyed to share the news that I’m expecting our first child early in the new year. It is a special time in our lives and we can’t wait for this new chapter.

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