Suzie Bates, an experienced New Zealand batter, will be out of action until March after suffering a quadriceps injury last month while fielding in a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match. Scans later revealed the extent of the damage, with medical advise recommending a three-month rehabilitation period.
Due to this injury, Bates will have to witness Otago’s domestic home season from the sidelines, as well as the White Ferns’ home series against Zimbabwe, which is set to begin in late February, according to the ICC website. However, the setback has not dampened Bates’ spirits, as she is hoping to regain fitness before New Zealand’s tour of South Africa, where the two teams will play a T20I and ODI series in March.
“I’m disappointed to be missing out this summer; I was really looking forward to another season with the Sparks, particularly the Super Smash. I’m keen to return to the pitch with the White Ferns in March, so that’ll be my primary focus for the time being’, Bates added.
Suzie Bates recently represented New Zealand in the Women’s ODI World Cup.
She played New Zealand’s final round-robin game against England, where she was dismissed for 10. The 38-year-old had a disappointing season with the bat, scoring only 40 runs from five innings with an average of 8 and a strike rate of 61.53.
New Zealand finished sixth in the points standings, with one win and four losses from seven matches. They were unable to advance to the knockout rounds, when India eventually triumphed and lifted the desired trophy.
Talking about Bates’ illustrious career, she has played 178 ODIs, scoring 5,936 runs at an average of 38.79 and a strike rate of 79.74. Meanwhile, in 177 T20Is, she has amassed 4,716 runs at an average of 29.11 and a strike rate of 108.58. The Dunedin-born also has a handy record with the ball, picking up 82 wickets in ODIs and 60 in T20Is.
India
