This Friday the Otago Volts take on the Auckland Aces in Round #5 of the Plunket Shield. The match shapes up as an important fixture for the Volts, who currently sit in fifth place with five games left to play.

The omission of Hamish Rutherford due to BLACKCAPS selection for the upcoming Test Series against South Africa has given two of Otago’s up-and-coming batsmen an opportunity to prove themselves at the Domestic level.

Jacob Cumming & Thorn Parkes have been included in the squad based off some outstanding performances in Dunedin Club Cricket, and in Otago’s Pathway Programme.

Cumming, aged 18 years, has been a standout performer in Dunedin Club Cricket and for Otago Age-Group sides, his good form earning him selections in New Zealand XI & New Zealand Development sides earlier this season.

His inclusion in the Otago Volts side comes just 10 years after father, Craig Cumming’s, final First-Class match for Otago.

Cumming expressed his excitement to be involved in the Volts playing group.

“I have grown up supporting the Otago Volts, and to have the potential to make my debut this Friday is very exciting.”

“My father enjoyed a great career at Otago so the opportunity to continue his legacy is something I am very proud of.” said Cumming.

University of Otago student, Thorn Parkes, has been in prolific form this season, scoring runs aplenty for Dunedin club side North East Valley CC, and for Otago ‘A’.

Originally hailing from Gisborne, Parkes has previously been a part of Northern Districts A player pathway, and has been relishing his time in the Otago set up.

“It has been awesome getting amongst the Volts set up and connecting with a great bunch of guys,” said Parkes.

“I have loved my time in Otago and the opportunity to represent the region will be something to remember”.

Friday’s match will have a limit of 100 spectators who will all require their CVC to get through the gates. We also encourage sign-in at the ground using the Covid Tracer App, and social distancing.

Please find below the Otago Volts team details for their upcoming Plunket Shield fixture this weekend against the Auckland Aces at the University of Otago Oval, Dunedin.

Otago vs Auckland Aces (Fri 11 Feb – Mon 14 Feb)

10:30am, University of Otago Oval, Dunedin

Plunket Shield Rd 5

*ENDS*

Article added: Thursday 10 February 2022