She is set to be available for both the one-day Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the 20-over Super Smash during the New Zealand home summer. An Otago Cricket Media release stated that Bates will “devote her full attention to the Sparks – the side she has proudly represented throughout an extraordinary 23-year domestic career.”

The last time Bates was on Otago’s books as a domestic player was back in 2006. In stark contrast, talented batter Abby Fookes, who was born in 2006, earned her maiden Otago contract.

“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.”

Bates brings with her the international experience of being New Zealand’s record run-scorer in women’s internationals, and the outright leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is.

Claudia Green retires; Gemma Sims steps away from professional cricket

“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.

Sims made her domestic debut for the Central Hinds during the 2020-21 season before joining the Wellington Blaze ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. She spent three seasons with the Blaze while her twin sister Kate Sims also has domestic experience with Hinds.

“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,” Sims said. “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.”

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