Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Suzie Bates, Adelaide Strikers captain and star international, will not take part in Weber WBBL|07 due to difficulties surrounding international travel.
The wellbeing of every member of the Strikers playing group and support staff will always be paramount, and as such, the club fully supports Suzie at this time and is thankful for the way she has handled a tough situation.
Speaking with Strikers Media, Suzie spoke of her love for the team while elaborating on the decision to remain in New Zealand this summer.
“Unfortunately, this season I had to make the tough decision to withdraw from the WBBL because of the current travel restrictions between Australia and New Zealand and the difficulty for New Zealanders overseas to travel back to New Zealand freely because of the limited availability and uncertainty around guaranteeing quarantine spots.
“At the time I had to make the decision I had a spot booked by New Zealand Cricket to get me back into NZ and if I gave this up to fly straight to Australia there was high chance of being stranded in Australia post the Big Bash. This was not a risk I was willing to take with what the White Ferns have coming up this summer, including a home world cup.
“I love this club; I love playing for the Strikers so it was not an easy decision, but I look forward to following and supporting the team as best I can.”
Strikers GM, Kate Harkness, spoke of the immense impact Suzie has had on the team, something that has always extended well beyond the field of play.
“An inspirational captain for multiple seasons, we cannot speak highly enough of Suzie and the commitment she has shown to the Adelaide Strikers. Without the unusual circumstances we currently face, Suzie would be representing us again this summer, and we are extremely thankful for the professionalism Suzie has displayed throughout this process.
“Such is the impact Suzie has had on the Strikers, her attitude and approach to the game will still be reflected during WBBL|07 because of the countless hours dedicated to making us better since her first day in blue. While not on our list for the upcoming season, Suzie is still a Striker, and we know we will hear the cheers from across the Tasman in the coming weeks.”
