White Ferns greats Suzie Bates (left) and her great friend Sophie Devine show off their special kit after being honoured by the ICC for playing 350 and 300 games respectively before a game at the Cricket World Cup in India last year. PHOTO: ICC/GETTY : Once more unto the breach for Super Suzie

As a youngster, Bates enjoyed nothing more than playing backyard cricket with her brothers. PHOTO: SUPPLIED : Once more unto the breach for Super Suzie

As a 16-year-old Otago Girls’ High School student, Bates had both basketball and cricket on her mind. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH : Once more unto the breach for Super Suzie

Bates trains in her makeshift gym at her home in Fairfield during the Covid-19 pandemic in April, 2020. PHOTO: SUPPLIED : Once more unto the breach for Super Suzie

Bates during a T20 match between the White Ferns and Pakistan at the University Oval in Dunedin in 2023. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH : Once more unto the breach for Super Suzie