Suzie Bates wandered out to the University Oval nets this week and, by her own admission, felt “like a kid in a candy store”. A torn quadriceps tendon, picked up while fielding for Otago in November, had kept her out since the 50-over World Cup last October. Physios erred on the side of caution, mindful that the women’s T20 World Cup in England looms in June, so the 38-year-old was ordered to rest, strengthen and wait.
The lay-off is almost over. New Zealand name their squad for South Africa’s five-match T20I visit on Friday and, fitness permitting, Bates expects to be there when the first ball is bowled on 15 March.
“I’m not going to lie,” Bates said. “When I got the prognosis and was told it was 16 weeks and off the back of a disappointing 50-over World Cup, it crossed my mind. But I think that lasted about a day and I got back in the gym. And once I had that purpose of being available for selection for this massive series, it was pretty easy really.”
The former captain has played 147 ODIs and 143 T20Is, almost always opening. This time the White Ferns want her experience further down the order. In her absence Izzy Gaze moved up from the middle and posted two brisk half-centuries against Zimbabwe in January. With Gaze likely to stay put, Bates has spent the past fortnight rehearsing a No. 4 role.
“It’s probably been my longest break in 10 years not playing cricket,” she said. “So first and foremost, it’s getting back on that park on Sunday, pending selection.” She then smiled and added: “I’ve almost rebirthed myself at 38.”
The switch makes strategic sense. Coach Ben Sawyer has been searching for a banker in the middle overs, someone who can soak up spin but still clear the ropes late on. Bates’ career strike-rate (113) and her knack for working gaps make her a logical fit, while her right-arm seam gives Sawyer extra depth if conditions favour swing.
“To be fair, it’s just if I believe I can contribute to the group, that’s what I’ve always kept playing for,” Bates said. “If I can contribute with runs and wickets and in the field and just around the group and I’m fit enough to do it, then I’ve loved playing whether it’s World Cup or whether it’s home series.”
The wider context matters. New Zealand unexpectedly reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup and remain defending champions after rain washed out the Adelaide final against Australia, who topped the group but never faced them again under revised rules. Bates insists there is unfinished business.
Having watched India claim back-to-back men’s titles, she believes the women’s game will be just as ruthless in England. “We’ll leave no questions to answer if we manage to defend it,” she said.
Fitness staff are satisfied the tendon has healed; the challenge now is loading. Bates’ programme has mixed long net sessions with targeted sprint drills, gradually rebuilding the explosive movements that define T20 fielding. “There were a few nerves actually even coming to training just when you’ve been away from the group,” she admitted. “But once I got fit it didn’t seem that far away.”
Sports physician Dr Kate Phelps, who oversaw the rehab, thinks the timing is ideal. “Quadriceps tendon issues are awkward because you can jog quite early yet still feel the weakness when you accelerate. Suzie’s been patient, and that helps longevity.”
Former White Ferns coach Bob Carter sees the tactical upside. “If Gaze can give them 35 off 25 up top, it frees Bates to guide the middle. She’s always been superb at finding singles, and in England those grounds encourage that.”
Bates is realistic. Selection is not guaranteed, and a full domestic round sits between now and the first T20I. Yet the hunger is obvious. “Yeah, those things cross your mind when you have major injuries and you’ve been in the game a long time,” she said earlier. “But I think knowing that the South African series and the potential of going on an England tour and a World Cup was really appealing and it didn’t seem that far away once I got fit. So it was either be done or commit to that. And so I made the latter decision.”
Melie Kerr, who will continue as T20 captain, welcomed the reinforcement. “Suzie’s presence just calms everyone,” Kerr said on Wednesday. “Even when she’s not batting well she’ll throw herself at everything in the field.”
For now the priority is simply to cross the white line again. A middle-order berth may look unfamiliar, yet it could be the next logical step for a player fast approaching 300 international caps. If the experiment works, New Zealand travel to England with depth, balance and, crucially, a fully refreshed Bates.
