Dribbling with the double
Having represented New Zealand in two different sports, double internationals Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine reflect on the learnings gathered from playing basketball and hockey at the highest level
ESPNcricinfo staff
04-Jul-2017
Speaking to icc-cricket.com, New Zealand Women's captain Suzie Bates and allrounder Sophie Devine reflect on the pros and cons of having donned the hat of a double international and the growing opportunities offered to female cricketers by the domestic T20 leagues
Captain Suzie Bates, her country's second highest run scorer, was part of the New Zealand basketball team that competed at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, while Sophie Devine represented the Black Sticks hockey team.
"There must be something in the Kiwi water as Suzie Bates played basketball for New Zealand as well," Devine said.
"Playing both taught me a few different things, like time management, and I had great support with family and friends in school and cricket. I was very fortunate in that regard.
"The opportunity to play around the world in two sports was fantastic, it's been a real privilege."
Bates admits it was a dream come true to be selected for an Olympic Games after first taking up the sport at a young age.
"I wanted to get involved in sport at High School and basketball was a big sport. I played it during my early 20s and it was good fun, I had no idea it would take off like it did," the 29-year-old said.
"I was fortunate enough to go to the Olympics in Beijing with the basketball team, it was a huge honour."