Suzie Bates returns to domestic cricket with Otago after 20 years

Suzie Bates has returned to an Otago domestic contract for the first time in 20 years. The 38-year-old allrounder retired from international cricket after the T20 World Cup in June, when New Zealand suffered a group-stage exit. Bates is currently working as a coach for Sunrisers Leeds in the ongoing women's Hundred. She is working under head coach Adi Birell as women's batting coach. She is set to be available for both the one-day Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the 20-over Super Smash during the New Zealand home summer. Bates will "dedicate her full attention to the Sparks - the side she has proudly represented throughout an extraordinary 23-year domestic career," according to an Otago Cricket Media release. Bates played just one one-day game for Otago in the 2025-26 domestic season after suffering a tendon injury while fielding in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. She subsequently missed the Super Smash competition. The last time Bates was on Otago's books as a domestic player was back in 2006. In stark contrast, talented batter Abby Fookes, who was born in 2006, earned her maiden Otago contract. "It's exciting for Abby to be in the Sparks squad with the experience that Suzie brings," Otago women's pathway manager Sarah Tsukigawa said. "Abby will learn a lot about being a cricketer both on and off the field from Suzie. We are very fortunate to be able to watch Suzie play for the Sparks for another season. "Abby's maturity as a cricket player for such a young age is exciting for the Sparks' future. Abby is a quick learner and will continue to expand her game this season." Bates brings with her the international experience of being New Zealand's record run-scorer in women's internationals, and the outright leading run-scorer in women's T20Is.