New Zealand cricket great Suzie Bates aiming to bow out on World Cup high
The 38-year-old batting star confirms she will call time on her 20-year international career following this year’s T20 World Cup in England
New Zealand will bid farewell to one of its cricketing greats when all-rounder Suzie Bates calls time on her international career at the end of the White Ferns’ T20 World Cup campaign in England.
The record-breaking 38-year-old confirmed on Friday she will retire following the summer tournament after 20 years at the highest level.
If Bates has her way, she will bow out with back-to-back T20 World Cup titles, having celebrated a long-awaited maiden championship in the United Arab Emirates two years ago.
“When I look back on the past 20-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” she said in a New Zealand Cricket statement.
“I’m immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and I’ve been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, teammate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.
“Words can’t truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way.
“I have one final mission: to head to the UK - a place that holds so many special memories for me - and win another World Cup.”