Otago Cricket names Bates in Sparks contracts
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Otago Cricket has announced its first 11 contracted players for the Sparks ahead of the 2026/27 domestic season, highlighted by the return of New Zealand cricket legend Suzie Bates.
It's the first time Bates has been in an Otago domestic contract in two decades and the maiden contract of highly rated Otago batter Abby Fookes.
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Bates, widely regarded as one of New Zealand's greatest-ever cricketers, will embark on her 23rd domestic season after accepting an Otago contract for the first time since 2006.
At the other end of the cricketing journey, 19-year-old Fookes has earned her maiden domestic contract after establishing herself as one of the province's brightest young talents.
Olivia Gain, Isy Parry, and Caitlin Blakely, who were contracted during the 2025/26 season, do not feature in this initial group of contracted players.
Felicity Robertson announced her retirement from Domestic Cricket following the end of last season.
The contrast between Bates and Fookes reflects both the proud history and exciting future of the Sparks. Bates signed her last Otago domestic contract in 2006—the year Fookes was born.
A product of Otago Country and Wakatipu High School, Fookes has progressed steadily through the Otago pathway.
She first represented the Otago Under-19 Women's side as a 16-year-old before making her Otago A Women's debut at just 17. Since then, she has continued to develop into one of the association's most exciting young prospects, making 27 appearances for the Under-19 programme.
Her performances at the most recent National Under-19 Women's Tournament further highlighted her potential, scoring 381 runs at an average of 54 and a strike rate of 120. Those displays reinforced what coaches within the Otago pathway had seen for several seasons and ultimately earned the talented batter her first domestic contract with the Sparks.
Head Coach Gareth Davies said Fookes' first contract was thoroughly deserved and reflected both her performances and the strength of Otago's player development system.
"It is fantastic to offer Abby her first contract with the Sparks. This is well deserved recognition of her hard work, determination, and the outstanding performances she delivered last season. Abby's success highlights the value of a strong player pathway and demonstrates how investing in development can strengthen the game across the country."
For Fookes, the contract fulfils a dream she has held since first taking up the game.
"I’m so stoked to be part of the side this season. I’ve had my sights set on it since I played my first season of cricket and just can’t wait to get stuck into it all."
Receiving the call from Otago Cricket GM – Performance Steve Martin came as a complete surprise.
"I got the good news from Steve while eating breakfast and gave my sister and parents a ring straight away. That was definitely the best bit."
While Fookes embarks on her domestic career, Bates begins a new chapter of her own. Following her retirement from international cricket after the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England, the 38-year-old will now devote her full attention to the Sparks—the side she has proudly represented throughout an extraordinary 23-year domestic career.
Bates returns with a remarkable record of 8,443 runs and 181 wickets for the Sparks, cementing her place as one of the most accomplished players in New Zealand domestic cricket. Beyond her on-field achievements, she has inspired generations of Otago cricketers, many of whom have gone on to represent both the province and New Zealand.
The Sparks enter the new campaign with a balanced squad that blends proven performers with emerging talent. The Sparks' all-time leading wicket-taker Emma Black will once again spearhead the bowling attack, supported by exciting young quicks Louisa Kotkamp and Hannah O'Connor.Â
Reigning Sparks Player of the Year Anna Browning will look to build on an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with both bat and ball, while PJ Watkins will continue pushing for higher honours after another season of valuable all-round contributions.
Davies believes the blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent has the Sparks well placed to mount a strong challenge during the 2026/27 season.
"I’m excited to see this group come together again in October for the start of pre-season. With the talent and commitment within this group, I believe we have every opportunity to make this a very successful season."
The Sparks will also be able to call upon White Ferns Eden Carson, Bella James and Polly Inglis, who will be available for selection when national commitments permit.
Two further contract offers will be announced in the coming weeks to complete the Otago Sparks squad for the 2026/27 domestic season.
Otago Sparks Contracted Players – 2026/27
Suzie Bates
Emma Black
Anna Browning
Harriett Cuttance
Chloe Deerness
Abby Fookes *
Louisa Kotkamp
Hannah O'Connor
Anika Todd
PJ Watkins
Saffron Wilson
Denotes maiden domestic contract *