Suzie Bates Joins Hobart Hurricanes for WBBL Season
Suzie Bates, the senior New Zealand batter, has been signed as an overseas replacement player by Hobart Hurricanes for the upcoming edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). This signing comes at a crucial time, as teams look to strengthen their squads with experienced players. Bates, who has a wealth of experience in T20 cricket, will be a valuable asset for the Hurricanes as they prepare for the competition.
Bates has previously represented several teams in the WBBL, including Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Sixers, and Perth Scorchers. However, she was not picked by any team in the recent WBBL draft. With the England players set to be unavailable for the latter part of the tournament due to their tour of South Africa, the Hurricanes seized the opportunity to bring Bates on board. Her extensive experience and skill set make her an ideal replacement during this crucial period.
In her new role with the Hurricanes, Bates will replace Danni Wyatt-Hodge for the remainder of the tournament. Wyatt-Hodge, alongside Chloe Tryon, was initially selected by the Hurricanes during the draft, while they also retained Lizelle Lee. Bates’ addition to the squad comes as a strategic move to bolster the team’s batting lineup, especially with the loss of an impactful player like Wyatt-Hodge.
Bates Brings Valuable Experience
Salliann Beams, the General Manager of High Performance at Hobart Hurricanes, expressed enthusiasm about signing Bates. “Adding Suzie to our WBBL team just made sense,” the speaker said, “as soon as we found out she wasn’t chosen in the WBBL|10 Draft.” We thought she would be the perfect replacement for Danni once we knew her availability.” Beams highlighted Bates’ extensive experience, which includes more than 130 games of World T20 cricket.
Bates’ track record speaks for itself, as she is the highest run-getter in T20Is, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. Her presence in the squad is expected to provide not only runs but also mentorship for the younger players. Beams emphasized the importance of having an “experienced operator” in the lineup when losing someone of Wyatt-Hodge’s caliber.
With the tournament just around the corner, the Hurricanes are optimistic about Bates’ contributions. Her ability to adapt quickly and perform at a high level will be crucial for the team’s aspirations in the WBBL. As they gear up for the competition, the Hurricanes are looking forward to the positive impact Bates is expected to make on and off the field.
