Suzie Bates ruled out for three months with quadricep injury

New Zealand allrounder Suzie Bates has been sidelined for three months after suffering a quadricep injury, ruling her out of the upcoming home series against Zimbabwe scheduled for February–March 2026.

The 38-year-old sustained the injury last month while fielding for Otago during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand’s domestic one-day competition for women. Medical scans later confirmed the severity of the tear, with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stating that Bates will require an extended rehabilitation period.

As a result, Bates will miss the remainder of the domestic home summer, including Otago’s Super Smash campaign. Her absence adds to New Zealand’s injury concerns, coming shortly after bowler Eden Carson was ruled out for an even longer period due to an elbow injury.

Despite the setback, Bates remains hopeful of returning to international cricket later in the season. She is targeting a comeback in the white-ball series against South Africa in March.

“I’m gutted to be missing out this summer. I was really looking forward to another season with the Otago Sparks, especially the Super Smash,” Bates said in an NZC statement. “I’m determined to get back on the field with the White Ferns in March, so that’ll be my focus for now.”

The injury comes after a challenging ODI World Cup campaign for Bates in India, where she struggled for form, scoring 40 runs across five innings at an average of eight and a strike rate of 61.53.

New Zealand Cricket is expected to provide further updates on her recovery closer to the Zimbabwe series.