New Zealand veteran allrounder says she has “almost rebirthed” herself at 38 as she prepares for a new middle-order role ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup

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Suzie Bates is set to make her international return after recovering from a quadriceps injury, saying the comeback has made her feel like she has “almost rebirthed” herself at the age of 38. The experienced New Zealand allrounder described returning to training in Dunedin as being like “a kid in a candy store”, as she was finally able to bat, bowl and field again following months of rehabilitation.

Bates has not played an international match since the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup last October. She sustained the injury while fielding for Otago Sparks in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. Although the issue involved a tendon rather than a major tear, team management decided to take a cautious approach to her recovery with the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England later this year.

The 38-year-old is now expected to return for the New Zealand women’s national cricket team in the upcoming five-match T20I series against the South Africa women’s national cricket team, beginning on March 15. Bates admitted that when she first received the diagnosis of a 16-week recovery period, the thought of retirement briefly crossed her mind. However, she quickly regained her focus and returned to training with the goal of being available for the South Africa series and the upcoming World Cup.

She explained that the prospect of playing in England and competing in another T20 World Cup became a major source of motivation during her rehabilitation. According to Bates, she continues to play the game because she believes she can still contribute to the team with runs, wickets and experience both on and off the field. As long as she can help the team and remain fit, she said the desire to keep playing remains strong.

The injury forced Bates into her longest break from cricket in nearly a decade. She admitted to feeling a few nerves when returning to training after being away from the squad for such a long time. For now, her main goal is simply getting back onto the field and contributing to the team in whatever role is required, while also supporting captain Amelia Kerr on and off the field.

If selected for the series against South Africa, Bates could return in a different role in the batting order. Throughout most of her T20I career, she has opened the innings, doing so in nearly all of her 173 appearances. However, she is now preparing to move into the middle order after wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze impressed as an opener during the recent series against the Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team, scoring 66*, 85* and 38*.

Rather than seeing the change as a setback, Bates said the shift has given her fresh motivation. She explained that doing the same role for many years can sometimes lead to complacency, but adapting to a new position has made her feel re-energized. Bates added that she is excited about the opportunity to contribute in different ways, particularly as she enjoys bowling and being involved in multiple aspects of the game.

Looking ahead, Bates said New Zealand will aim to leave “no questions to answer” if they can successfully defend their title at the upcoming 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. For now, however, her focus remains on regaining full match fitness and performing well in the series against South Africa as she works her way back into international cricket.