Bates, Martin return for Otago Sparks

Otago Sparks have been boosted by the return of their two senior players, Suzie Bates and Katey Martin, who will join the squad for the Super Smash tournament which gets underway on Friday (December 13).

The duo recently took part in the Women's Big Bash League in Australia turning out for Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars respectively. While Bates led Strikers into the final of the tournament, Martin's Stars had a forgettable season. The former New Zealand skipper had a good tournament with both bat and ball, combining well with Sophie Devine at the top of the order. Martin, on the other hand, had a mixed season playing only nine of Stars' 14 matches. However, she does have a chance to redeem herself, having been named skipper of Sparks.

Sparks have already included the duo Lisa Griffith and Hannah Darlington, the two New South Wales and Sydney Thunder allrounders, in the squad. Darlington made a wonderful start to her WBBL career, finishing the tournament with a total of 16 wickets - the most for Thunder - and also being named 'Young Gun of the year'.

Griffith, who turned out for Sparks last season, helped the side to two wins in the four matches she played, also taking best figures of 3 for 10 in the team's win over Northern Spirit.

Darlington will remain with the squad until the completion of the tournament while Griffith will be available for opening five rounds before flying back to Australia for her domestic commitments.

Bates and Martin aside, Haylen Jensen is another international Otago can count on. The allrounder has been in splendid form through the first few rounds of the Hallyburton Johnstone Trophy and will be hoping to carry on her good form in the shorter format.

Sparks will play four games across three days in the women’s central round – they begin against the defending champions Wellington Blaze in Lincoln on Friday.

Squad: Katey Martin (c), Suzie Bates, Emma Black, Ella Brown, Eden Carson, Millie Cowan, Hannah Darlington, Sophie Gray, Lisa Griffith, Bhagya Herath, Bella James, Hayley Jensen, Sophie Oldershaw.