Bates returns in style

Suzie Bates being back in the runs on her return from injury was the bright spot for the White Ferns in a loss to England A. Bates made 70 as opener for the White Ferns as they made 223 before being dismissed with one ball left in their 50 overs batting first in Derby in the warmup match. That tally didn’t prove challenging enough for the hosts, who reached the target with four wickets and 14 balls to spare. Bates was playing her first game since November last year after a shoulder injury required surgery. She faced 110 balls as NZ’s top and middle-order fell around her, with the only other contribution of note coming from wicketkeeper-batter Katey Martin, who made 52 off 56 balls at No 7.