Otago Sparks top-order batsman Millie Cowan has called time on her cricketing career, after nine seasons with the Otago Sparks.

Earlier this week, Cowan reflected on exactly what it meant to her to be an Otago Spark.

“I think the best part of being an Otago Spark is the team atmosphere, and sense of belonging I feel when I’m with the group.” said Cowan.

“There aren’t many female sports in NZ where you get the same level of opportunity for competition and funded travel as you do in Cricket” she continued.

“Looking back on the experiences I’ve had around New Zealand with this team, I have been so lucky to experience those places with some great people which I’ll definitely miss”.

The dual Otago Hockey & Cricket representative has been juggling her sporting commitments with her teaching role at Gore High School for the past 4 years, and felt it was the right time to let some young players have their time.

“The number of commitments over the summer months are only increasing for me, and I’ve found it difficult at times to fully commit to the team while living and working outside of Dunedin.” Cowan explained.

“The standard of female cricket is only increasing in New Zealand, and with that comes expectation around performance. I feel there are some brilliant young players in the Otago squad who deserve those opportunities”.

Cowan made her debut for the Sparks in January 2012. She played in a twenty20 match against Canterbury and made her one-day debut the next day.

The right-hander ended up playing 64 list A games for Otago and 52 twenty20 games.

Cowan’s highlights for the Sparks included winning the one-day competition in 2013-14 and the twenty20 competition in 2016-17.

Cowan’s greatest day with the bat came in early in 2017. She blazed her maiden and only list A hundred with a swashbuckling knock of 105 from 85 balls against Northern Districts at the University Oval.

She finishes up having scored 1,239 runs across all formats for the Sparks.

Cowan took the opportunity to thank those who have supported her journey in Cricket throughout the years.

“I would like to thank Warren Lees, Nathan King, Craig Cumming & Mark Bracewell for the opportunities and knowledge they have given me over the years”

“Special mention must go to my parents, who have been at almost every home game I’ve played. And most importantly, my teammates who have kept me coming back for more every year!” she concluded.

*ENDS*

Article added: Friday 01 October 2021