Suzie Bates has signed a domestic contract with Otago, making her back to the province for the first time since 2006. The 38-year-old allrounder ended her international career after New Zealand’s group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in June, and she will now focus solely on the Sparks in both the one-day Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the 20-over Super Smash during the New Zealand home summer.
Suzie Bates’ previous domestic season with Otago was cut short early. A tendon injury incurred while fielding during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield limited her to a single one-day appearance in 2025-26, and she missed the full Super Smash season that followed.
Away from the domestic circuit, she has helped Sunrisers Leeds’ coaching staff in the Women’s Hundred, working as the women’s batting coach under head coach Adi Birell. Sarah Tsukigawa, Otago women’s pathway manager, welcomed the development.
What implications does Suzie Bates’ comeback have for the Otago Sparks squad?
Along with Suzie Bates’ return, Otago has signed Abby Fookes, a batter born in 2006, the same year Suzie Bates was last on the club’s roster. Tsukigawa also commented on Fookes’ potential.
What other New Zealand domestic players have announced moves this season?
Claudia Green, the Central Districts seamer, has announced her retirement from both local and international cricket. Green, 28, toured England twice with the New Zealand team in 2021 as a backup bowler.
Gemma Sims, who has represented both Wellington and Central Districts in her career, has decided to retire from professional cricket just days after turning 25.
Sims made her debut with the Central Hinds in 2020-21 before joining the Wellington Blaze for the 2023-24 season, where she stayed for three seasons. Her twin sister, Kate Sims, also had domestic experience with the Hinds. Sims pays respect to her time with the Blaze in a farewell message.
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