New Delhi, Dec. 22 -- New Zealand opening batter Suzie Bates picked up an injury last month while fielding in a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match. Scans later confirmed the extent of the tear, with medical advice indicating a rehabilitation period of around three months.

As a result, Bates will miss the remainder of Otago's domestic home season and will also be unavailable for the White Ferns' home series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to start in late February, according to the ICC website.

Despite the setback, Bates has set her sights on returning in time for New Zealand's tour of South Africa, where New Zealand are due to play a T20I and ODI series in March.

"I'm gutted to be missing out this summer, I was really looking forward to an...