14 Dec 2011

bates takes over White Ferns captaincy

11:57 am on 14 December 2011

All-rounder Suzie Bates has been named to captain the New Zealand women's cricket team.

The stylish batter and useful medium pace bowler from Otago replaces Aimee Watkins who decided to retire at the conclusion of the quadrangular series held in England earlier in the year.

In 40 one-day matches the 24 year-old has amassed 1065 runs and 33 wickets while in 34 Twenty20 Internationals she's struck 715 runs and picked up 23 wickets.

24-year-old Bates will first lead the White Ferns in the Rose Bowl against Australia in January.