Bates stands down as White Ferns captain

Amy Satterthwaite will lead New Zealand against Australia in their women's T20 series this month after long-time skipper Suzie Bates stood down from the captaincy.

Bates has relinquished the role after six years in charge, allowing Satterthwaite to take the reins for the three-match series starting in Sydney on September 29.

Regarded as one of the world's premier cricketers, 30-year-old Bates said she'd reached a point where it was beneficial for the White Ferns if she concentrated on her own game.

She said Satterthwaite, also a world class batter, was a capable leader and would have her full backing.

Major team honours have eluded New Zealand under Bates' tenure despite their relatively high world ranking.

They reached the semi-finals of the 2013 World Cup in India - when Bates was named player of the tournament - and exited at the same stage of the Women's World T20 in 2012 and 2016.