With the 2022-23 edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) now only 28 days away, teams have been busy locking players for the tournament that’s scheduled to run from the 13th of October to the 20th of November. All of the 8 franchises are closing out on confirming their squad and in the process, a few of the best signings are grabbing headlines.
The big latest signing has been that of a Kiwi superstar, Suzie Bates who having landed in a deal with the Sydney Sixers is set to don the Pink colours for the summer’s WBBL edition where she joins top cricketing stars in Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy and Sophie Ecclestone.
The 34-year-old has spent four summers playing in the Big Bash, two with Adelaide Strikers and two with the Perth Scorchers where she’s scored as many as 1738 runs and has bagged 35 wickets.
Sydney Sixers have added Suzie Bates to their squad for the upcoming Big Bash League 2022
She is all set to open the innings with Alyssa Healy#CricketTwitter #WBBL08 pic.twitter.com/GrQMSwsEGB
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 15, 2022
Suzie Bates in international cricket is the highest run-scorer in the (T20I) format with 3531 runs in 128 innings (131 matches) at an average of 29.92, a strike rate of 110.89 with 22 fifties and a century to her name with the highest score of 124*. A fair share of the swing of the arm sees her with 50 wickets in 80 innings at an average of 25.52, a strike rate of 22.7 and an economy rate of 6.77 with best figures of 4/26.
Bates after missing out on last summer’s edition due to travel restrictions is making it to the WBBL this summer and on her signing said, “They’ve (Sydney Sixers) been one of the most successful clubs in WBBL history, but I think they’d be the first to admit that in recent times they haven’t done as well as they’d like. I can’t wait to be part of a team that wants to make finals and wants to win Championships.”
Newly-appointed head coach, Charlotte Edwards, on the singing of Suzie Bates said, “I’m looking forward to (Bates) forging a strong opening partnership with Alyssa Healy. I’m looking forward to sitting back and enjoying the sight of two of the best openers in the world doing their thing.”
After a prolonged quiet period in international cricket, Suzie Bates the superstar player bounced back and of late has been in fine form making vital contributions. The Commonwealth Games Bronze finish for the White Ferns would maybe have not been possible without Suzie Bates as she repeatedly provided the team with more than they would have asked for.
Sydney Sixes squad so far:
Ellyse Perry (C), Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Sophie Ecclestone, Suzie Bates, Jade Allen, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Angela Genford.
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