Craig Cumming is assembling a strong support team around him as he heads into his third season in charge of the SBS Bank Otago Sparks. Now employed fulltime in the role, Cumming is determined to provide the Sparks with the best possible team of support staff. 

Former Otago Volt player Shawn Hicks is the new Assistant Coach/Manager of the Otago Sparks. Having been involved for the last two seasons in the role of co-coach of the Otago U17 boys' squad and working towards his advanced coaching qualification, Shawn has been identified as a coach with a lot to offer. He takes over from last year's Assistant Coach/Manager Emma Campbell who is the Head Coach of the Otago U19 Girls team. 

Shawn played first class, List A and T20 cricket for both Auckland and Otago. He had two seasons with Otago before retiring from the game. He also played for the NZ U19’s and NZ XI during his career. 

Cumming has said that Shawn is a young coach with huge knowledge of the game as a former professional player. “The manner in which he goes about his coaching will be a great fit for myself as Head Coach and for our playing group.” 

Shawn himself is excited at the opportunity to work with the current group, and with Craig. “I have got such a lot out of my time playing the game, and Im really keen to contribute what I know to the further success of the Sparks.”  

Article added: Friday 04 November 2022