New Zealand's experienced opener Suzie Bates has been ruled out of action for three months owing to a quadriceps tear she sustained last month while fielding during a shield match. Bates is set to miss all cricketing action until March 2026.
Scans after injury had revealed that Bates will need three months of rehabilitation to get back to the field. This means she will not be available to play domestic cricket for Otago for the entire home summer.
Bates is set to miss the limited overs series against Zimbabwe at home, comprising of three T20Is and as many ODIs.
"I'm gutted to be missing out this summer, I was really looking forward to another season with the Sparks, especially the Super Smash," said Bates.
"I'm determined to get back on the field with the White Ferns in March so that'll be my focus for now."
Bates to make comeback against South Africa
Bates will target her return for the home series against South Africa which commences on March 15, 2026. The limited-overs series includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
The T20I series against the South Africa will be the perfect warm-up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on England soil starting on June 12. Defending champions New Zealand will face West Indies in their campaign opener on June 13.
In New Zealand's title-winning run, she was their top runs-scorer with 150 runs from six games.
Bates’ previous appearance in competitive cricket
Bates' last appearance in domestic cricket was on November 15. She was dismissed for a duck in the List A game. New Zealand haven't played international cricket since their exit from the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 where they finished sixth win one win from seven games.