Somebody find a different coloured bat-grip. For the first time in 36 years, identical twins could be playing for the Central Hinds together after ANNA GAGING was today named in the Hinds squad for the first time.

Gaging joins identical sister Kate in the 12 named for Monday’s Dream11 Super Smash T20 against the Otago Sparks at Pukekura Park. If both are named in the playing XI, the Nelson pair will become the first twins to play for the Hinds since Liz and Rose Signal in January 1985.

The Signal sisters were the first identical twins to play Test cricket together while Anna’s first Domestic call-up comes just two games after KATE GAGING’s Hinds debut against the Sparks in Dunedin last week.

The 19-year-old Nelson cricketers are both graduates of the CD Under 21 squad (since superceded by the CD Under 19s). Anna is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and batsman, Kate a right-hand batsman who can also keep wicket.

Age-group days for the talented twins

Opportunities have been created in the Hinds squad after a trio of injuries over the last fortnight, WHITE FERN ROSEMARY MAIR (side strain), MIKAELA GREIG (shoulder injury from a training mishap in Dunedin) and MELISSA HANSEN (split webbing while bowling in the most recent game in Christchurch) all sidelined.

Central Hinds coach Jamie Watkins says that Anna Gaging has earned her opportunity "after having sat in behind the strong depth of seamers in the Hinds squad, including our two WHITE FERNS seamers Rosemary and HANNAH ROWE.

“Anna's been held back a little by some shin splint issues over the past couple of seasons, but she’s been progressing well with these this summer and is ready to step up to take her opportunity if named in our playing XI on Monday."

A tall and aggressive seamer who also hits the ball hard, it’s another exciting opportunity this season to further show the depth of talent within CD, says Watkins.

“We’re confident that, like her sister Kate has done in her first two games, Anna will contribute positively at the next level.”

Kate Gaging produced an attractive run-a-ball 28 against the Canterbury Magicians at Hagley Oval in just her second appearance, but scorers may be hoping the talented duo doesn’t end up batting together at the same time in New Plymouth — since even team-mates resort to calling them “Anna-Kate” in the field.

The Hinds’ game forms the first part of Monday's T20 doubleheader against the Otago Sparks and Volts.

Gates open at 11.30AM for the Hinds v Sparks at 12.30PM, one ticket getting spectators into both T20s. Both games are livestreamed by NZC with tickets available from $5 Junior and $15 Adult if you prepurchase online at www.cdcricket.flicket.nz

Wear green to the game and the best-dressed spectators will be in to win a signed shirt, cap or $50 voucher to treat themselves at The Devon Hotel.

DOUBLEHEADER v Otago

Pukekura Park • New Plymouth

Monday 18 January 2021 

CENTRAL HINDS

v Otago Sparks 12.30PM

Jess Watkin — co-captain — Manawatu

Hannah Rowe — co-captain — Manawatu — WHITE FERNS contract

Natalie Dodd — wicketkeeper — Taranaki — WHITE FERNS contract

Emily Cunningham  — Taranaki

Kate Gaging — Nelson

Anna Gaging — Nelson — uncapped

Kerry Tomlinson — Hawke’s Bay

Claudia Green — Nelson

Monique Rees — Wairarapa

Georgia Atkinson — Manawatu

Anlo van Deventer — Wairarapa

Ashtuti Kumar — Manawatu

Coach — Jamie Watkins

•••

CENTRAL STAGS

v Otago Volts 4PM

Tom Bruce (c) — Taranaki

Doug Bracewell — Hawke’s Bay

Josh Clarkson — Nelson

Dane Cleaver — wicketkeeper — Manawatu

Joey Field — Hawke’s Bay

Christian Leopard — Hawke’s Bay

Kieran Noema-Barnett — Hawke’s Bay

Ajaz Patel — Hawke’s Bay, BLACKCAPS contract

Ross Taylor — BLACKCAPS contract

Blair Tickner — Hawke’s Bay

George Worker — Manawatu

Will Young — Taranaki, BLACKCAPS contract

Coach — Aldin Smith

Assistant Coach — Dion Ebrahim

Article added: Saturday 16 January 2021