Otago Sparks stalwart Katey Martin managed to croak out a few lines about being really surprised by her recall to the national team when contacted for comment yesterday.
The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman's voice was still hoarse from all the shouting she had done in celebration following her side's victory in the final of the one-day competition on Saturday.
She had cause for more celebration yesterday when she was named in the White Ferns squad for their upcoming home series against the West Indies.
She joins provincial team-mate and White Ferns captain Suzie Bates in a squad which has four new faces.
Holly Huddleston, Samantha Curtis, Hayley Jensen and Felicity Leydon-Davis are all in line to make their debuts, while Sara McGlashan and Martin return after missing out on the tour to the West Indies in October.
''I am pleased,'' Martin said.
''It was a bit of a surprise because I've been in and out of the team for quite a long time now.''
''I'm taking a bit of form into the series so, hopefully, it will pay off.''
Martin scored 292 runs at an average of 36.50 in the one-day tournament. She also took 10 catches, effected five stumpings and posted her maiden century.
McGlashan also returns to the side after a stellar domestic season, having finished the top scorer in the twenty20 competition.
''Sara has gone away and taken her game to another level and we've been really pleased to see that come through in her performances for Auckland. She's been dominant,'' interim coach Warren Lees said.
''I think that Sara and Katey are great examples of how players can work their way back into the side and we expect to see them make every effort to do so,'' he added, referring to the likes of Amy Satterthwaite and Sian Ruck, who missed selection.
''There's a lot of talent coming through in the women's domestic competitions and the performances of some of the younger players have really caught our attention.
''We've rewarded that good form with their selection and look forward to seeing them get to test their skills against a strong West Indies side.''
The series features three one-day internationals and five twenty20 games. The first match is on February 22 at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.
