Suzie Bates Joins Durham as First-Ever Overseas Signing for Women’s Team

Suzie Bates Joins Durham as First-Ever Overseas Signing for Women’s Team

New Zealand cricket legend Suzie Bates has signed a season-long deal with Durham Women, becoming the club’s first-ever overseas professional ahead of their debut campaign in the newly formed Tier One county competition.

The 37-year-old allrounder will represent Durham in both the Vitality T20 Blast and the Metro Bank One Day Cup during the 2025 season. Her arrival marks a historic moment for the club as they prepare to compete at the top level of English women’s domestic cricket for the first time.

Bates brings with her a wealth of experience and pedigree. A cornerstone of New Zealand's triumphant 2024 Women's T20 World Cup campaign, she was the team’s joint-top scorer in the tournament and has been a key figure in international cricket since her debut in 2006. With more than 25,000 career runs, including 34 centuries, and close to 350 international appearances, she stands as one of the game’s greats. She is also the only New Zealand woman to surpass 10,000 international runs across all formats.

Having captained the White Ferns for seven years, Bates returned to lead the side again in their recent series against Sri Lanka. She has also enjoyed success in franchise leagues across the world, including stints with the Oval Invincibles, Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers, Birmingham Phoenix, and on the county circuit with Hampshire and Kent.

“Excited to be part of a new chapter”

Speaking on the move, Bates said, “I am so excited to join Durham for the inaugural season in the One-Day Cup and Vitality Blast. I can't wait to get over to Durham and join a talented squad, add my experience to the group, and get stuck into the season.”

A landmark signing for Durham

Durham’s Director of Cricket, Marcus North, welcomed the signing, calling it a landmark moment for the club.

“It is great to welcome Suzie to Durham as our first-ever women's overseas professional player. This is an historic moment for Durham, and we are thrilled to welcome a player of Suzie's calibre to the club,” he said. “Her record internationally and domestically is second to none, and with her wide range of experience across the globe, she will be the perfect fit for our group going into the 2025 season. I can’t wait for her to join us in the next few weeks.”

Durham's signing of Bates reflects their ambition and commitment to building a competitive and experienced side as women’s cricket continues to grow in England.

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