The landscape of The Hundred is shifting, and one of its most decorated icons is trading her pads for a clipboard. Suzie Bates, the veteran New Zealand legend, has officially joined Sunrisers Leeds (formerly Northern Superchargers) as their batting coach for the 2026 season. It’s a move that feels both natural and inevitable. At 38, Bates remains an active force for the White Ferns, but after a recent injury sidelined her from competitive play since late 2025, she is ready to dive into the tactical side of the game.
Working alongside head coach Adi Birrell, Bates will be tasked with sharpening a Sunrisers batting unit that needs her signature blend of composure and aggression. Birrell, a seasoned veteran from the Sunrisers global family, will lean heavily on Bates’ unmatched experience in the shortest format. Her appointment wasn’t an isolated event; it came as part of a sweeping set of coaching changes in March 2026, signaling a fresh, more strategic era for the Leeds-based franchise.
Bates’ credentials in this competition aren’t just good—they are championship-grade. Fans will vividly remember her leading the Oval Invincibles to the 100-ball title in 2022, a masterclass in leadership that cemented her legacy in English franchise cricket. Over her playing career in The Hundred, which included stints with the Birmingham Phoenix, she amassed 379 runs in 17 matches at a solid average of 25.26. While her strike rate of 111.79 and a high score of 79* are impressive, it was her ability to anchor an innings that made her a nightmare for bowlers.
Beyond the numbers, Bates brings a been-there, done-that aura to the dressing room. The New Zealand opener has played over 350 internationals, scored more than 10,000 runs both white-ball formats, and even represented her country in basketball at the Olympics. She understands the pressure of the big stage like few others. For the younger batters at Sunrisers Leeds, having the first player ever to reach 1,000 T20 World Cup runs whispering advice in their ear is an invaluable asset.
This transition marks a significant chapter in Bates’ story. While she hasn’t officially retired from the international scene, her move into coaching suggests she is preparing for life after the boundary ropes. For Sunrisers Leeds, securing her services is a massive win. They aren’t just getting a coach; they’re getting a winner who knows exactly what it takes to lift the trophy at Lord’s.
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