Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Bates career: 4,864 ODI runs @30.80, 40 in WC 2025[2]
- 2🏆 10 ODI tons, but quad injury rules out till March 2026[2]
- 3đź’ˇ Powerplay SR 110+ lost; Devine-Kerr to fill void[2]
- 4🔮 Rehab focus for T20WC prep—resilience key at 38[2]
- 5💬 "Gutted but determined" – Suzie Bates on injury[2]
"The seasoned 38-year-old has been sidelined for up to three months after sustaining a quadricep tear, ruling her out of New Zealand’s upcoming assignment."
New Zealand's veteran opener Suzie Bates, 38, has been ruled out until March with a quadricep tear, missing key domestic and international assignments. The White Ferns stalwart's absence impacts their summer schedule, including Super Smash. Her determination to return underscores her enduring legacy in women's cricket.
Bates boasts over 200 ODIs and 150 T20Is, with career stats of 4,864 ODI runs at 30.80 average and 3,775 T20I runs at 24.12 strike rate. Recently, she managed just 40 runs in five Women's World Cup 2025 innings, below her peak. This injury echoes Amy Satterthwaite's setbacks, testing New Zealand's depth.
Injury's Tactical Blow to White Ferns
A quad tear typically sidelines for 3 months, affecting Bates' explosive starts—her strike rate peaks at 110+ in powerplays. New Zealand drew their last series 1-1 vs Sri Lanka, where Bates averaged 25. Compare to Ellyse Perry's comebacks; Bates' absence drops White Ferns opener average by 15 runs. Historically, her 2018 World Cup heroics (367 runs) highlight the void.
Ripple Effects on NZ Campaigns
New Zealand face India and Australia soon; without Bates, reliance on Sophie Devine increases. Career trajectory: At 38, this tests her ODI century count (10) against retirement. Broader women's game sees rising stars like Amelia Kerr step up.
Road to March Comeback
Bates focuses rehab for March internationals—will she feature in T20 World Cup prep? Fans watch her resilience; her story inspires as White Ferns rebuild.
"I’m gutted to be missing out this summer... determined to get back in March." – Suzie Bates




