Bates looking for lift from her home crowd
Suzie Bates demanded two things at the University Oval in Dunedin. She wanted the weather to play ball, and she wanted the White Ferns to channel their frustrations into a dominant performance in the World Cup game against Bangladesh. The game was delayed by rain but was to start as a 28-overs clash.
The White Ferns did not have the start they wanted to a tournament that carries extra weight as it is on home soil at a time women’s cricket is ready for a massive push, and a repeat of Friday’s loss to the West Indies was not being contemplated.
“Obviously, the close loss was a little bit heartbreaking for everyone, but we were pretty quickly on a plane to Dunedin,” Bates said. “We’ve got to move on and take one game at a time.
“People probably saw we were pretty deflated. But we got back to the hotel, met for a quick catch-up and made sure we’d moved on and stuck to what this group is about.
“Nothing really changes. Every game, we’re aiming to win.
“There’s the added pressure of a World Cup, I guess, but we’re just focused on trying to turn up each day and be at our best for every ball.”
The White Ferns watched the West Indies rack up 259 for nine at the Bay Oval, led by a marvellous century from Hayley Matthews.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine replied with her own impressive ton but really had only Otago veteran Katey Martin (44) for support as the White Ferns faltered down the stretch.
Bates was a frustrated onlooker, having been run out for three at the non-striker’s end.
“I’m hoping that means I get all the luck [yesterday].
“It happens. Obviously, I was disappointed not to get more of a bat, but there’s plenty more cricket to come.”
Bates knew the next question was coming: how would it feel to finally, after 262 games and 8173 runs for the White Ferns across two formats, and having missed previous opportunities through bad weather and injury, to play for her country in her home city?
“I’m trying not to mention it,” she said.
“I’m just hoping the sun comes out. [It did, eventually].
“The fact I’ve never played here for the White Ferns makes it that much more special.
“A home World Cup, to be able to have some family and friends up on the bank — we’ll have that real comfort of knowing this ground and seeing people we know up in the stands.”
The death of Australian cricket great Shane Warne at the weekend has been on everybody’s mind, she said.
Bates met the spin bowling master a couple of times when they both served on the MCC committee at Lord’s before the pandemic.
“Everything that’s come out is true. He lights up the room, he’s really charming and he just loves talking cricket.
“It was really sad news about him, and Rod Marsh as well.”