Michael Bates

Michael David Bates (born 10 October 1990) is an English cricketer. Bates is a right-handed batsman who plays as a wicket-keeper. Bates was regarded during his high level career as one of England's best wicket-keepers, but his batting ability was below modern standards expected of non-bowlers and that limited his career opportunities. He had a short First Class Cricket career and never played for a senior national team.

Somerset: 2015 After trials at Essex, he signed for Minor Counties team Wiltshire. However, after the retirement of Craig Kieswetter due to injury, an out-of-form Alex Barrow and an injury to second choice 'keeper James Regan, after playing in a trial match for the second II, Bates signed a monthlong contract with Somerset in June 2015. He made his debut for the county in the first-class match against Nottinghamshire. His contract was extended to the end of the 2015 season on 5 July 2015 on the recommendation of Somerset's Director of Cricket Matthew Maynard, but was not extended beyond that, and he was released. He subsequently rejoined Wiltshire for 2016.

Style and performance Bates batting averages 21.2 in first-class cricket, scoring one century in his first 60 innings. His average is less in the shorter forms: 8.36 in List A games; 10.5 in T20. However, he averaged 3.5 catches per match as wicket keeper in 2010, a Hampshire record for a season.