Suzie Bates returns to Otago domestic contract after 20 years

Suzie Bates has secured a domestic contract with Otago, marking her return to the province for the first time since 2006. The 38-year-old allrounder brought her international career to a close following New Zealand’s group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in June, and she will now devote her energies entirely to the Sparks across both the one-day Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the 20-over Super Smash during the New Zealand home summer.

Bates’ previous domestic season with Otago was disrupted early. A tendon injury sustained while fielding during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield restricted her to a single one-day appearance in 2025-26, and she was absent for the entire Super Smash campaign that followed. Away from the domestic circuit, she has been contributing to Sunrisers Leeds’ coaching setup in the women’s Hundred, serving as women’s batting coach under head coach Adi Birell. Otago women’s pathway manager Sarah Tsukigawa welcomed the development.

What does Bates’ return mean for the Otago Sparks squad?

Alongside Bates’ comeback, Otago have awarded a maiden domestic contract to Abby Fookes, a batter born in 2006, the very year Bates last appeared on Otago’s books. The pairing places a player at the start of her career alongside one of the most decorated figures in New Zealand women’s cricket history Tsukigawa also spoke about Fookes’ potential.

“It’s exciting for Abby to be in the Sparks squad with the experience that Suzie brings. 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 cricketer for someone so young is exciting for the future of the Sparks. Abby is a quick learner and will continue to expand her game this season,” Otago women’s pathway manager Sarah Tsukigawa said as quoted by Cricinfo.

Which other New Zealand domestic players have announced changes this season?

Central Districts seamer Claudia Green has confirmed her retirement from both domestic and international cricket. Green, who is 28 years old, toured England twice with the New Zealand team in 2021 in a reserve bowling capacity.

“At 28, the Physical Education graduate and former teacher is stepping away from the pitch to focus on her career and have more time to explore other parts of life,” CD said in a statement on their website.

Gemma Sims, who represented both Wellington and Central Districts during her career, has chosen to step away from professional cricket just days after turning 25. Sims first appeared for the Central Hinds in the 2020-21 season before moving to the Wellington Blaze ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, where she remained for three seasons. Her twin sister Kate Sims also carries domestic experience with the Hinds. Sims paid tribute to her time with the Blaze in a farewell statement.

“Being part of the Wellington Blaze makes you feel part of something bigger, and I think anyone who has been part of this environment can relate to that feeling. The community, friendships, growth, challenges, celebrations and small moments shared with this group are what I’ll look back on most fondly. I’m excited to watch the Blaze continue to grow and create more special moments together,” said Sims.

List of domestically contracted NZ players:

Otago: Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Anna Browning, Harriett Cuttance, Chloe Deerness, Abby Fookes, Louisa Kotkamp, Hannah O’Connor, Anika Todd, PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson

Auckland: Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Ella Drumm, Amie Hucker, Talia Hurley, Ayaan Lambat, Eve Meachen, Josie Penfold, Anika Tauwhare, Kat Thomas*

Canterbury: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Kate Chandler, Stella Cornelius, Olivia Gain, Abigale Gerken, Ciara Hartland, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Darcy Prasad, Gabby Sullivan

Central Districts: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Elizabeth Cohr, Grace Foreman, Kate Gaging, Yasmeen Kareem, Ashtuti Kumar , Emma McLeod, Jess Ogden, Cate Pedersen, Kerry Tomlinson, Abby Treder

Northern Districts: Lucy Boucher, Skye Bowden, Sophie Court, Marama Downes, Catlin Gurrey, Rishika Jaswal, Kayley Knight, Marina Lamplough, Holly Topp, Tash Wakelin, Jess Watkin, Eve Wolland

Wellington: Hannah Francis, Isla McKenzie, Isy Parry, Jess McFayden, Jess Simmons, Natasha Codyre, Neha Ramanathan, Nicole Baird, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Sam Mackinder, Xara Jetly