Craig Cumming has been appointed to the newly created full-time role of Otago Cricket, Head Coach Female Performance and Pathways.

Cumming, a NZC level 3 qualified coach, has coached the Otago Sparks on a part time basis over the past two summers, culminating in two finals appearances in 2022, including a Hallyburton Johnstone one day title and beaten Super Smash finalists. 

The introduction of this full-time female performance role aligns with the significant growing interest and support for female cricket, including the unprecedented financial support and growth, as set out in the recently inked national 2022 – 2027 Master Agreement. As well as on the back of the highly successful 2022 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, and following the success of the Sparks in 2022.

Otago Cricket GM Performance, Steve Martin emphasised the importance, interest and timing of this new role and the performance support Otago Cricket is putting in place for both aspirational female athletes seeking to play domestic cricket, and domestic cricketers pushing to play and currently playing for our WHITEFERNS. 

Martin also reflected on the highly contestable nature of this appointment and the leadership qualities and passion exhibited by Cumming throughout this process. “We had overwhelming interest in this role from highly credentialed candidates around the globe, however Craig’s significant experience in the game and his passion for Otago were key factors in his appointment".

Cumming, who is a familiar face with Otago fans, having had a stella playing career that included 338 games across all formats and 13,695 domestic runs, is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. “I am really excited about the opportunity to be part of Otago Cricket on a full-time basis and being able to focus all of my time in leading the Sparks and developing a female pathway that will inspire young females in our province to become future WHITFERNS”.

This new role provides Otago Cricket with a further high quality performance coaching resource, who is able lead up and down the female performance pathway as well as provide support across the male pathway environment. “The last two years coaching the Sparks has been a great educational time for myself and very rewarding, and I can't wait to use that experience alongside the staff at Otago Cricket to grow our women's programme, with the goal of it being equal to anywhere around the world,” said Cumming. 

With the first round of Sparks contracts now offered and a preseason programme that starts shortly, Cumming’s first major priority will be as team Head Coach, building on the player development and team success experienced in 2021 – 2022, ahead of the season commencing 18 November, and alongside structuring increased opportunities for pathway players via the introduction of an Otago A playing programme.   

For further information please contact Steve Martin, GM Performance, steve@otagocricket.co.nz

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Article added: Monday 12 September 2022