The SBS Bank Otago Sparks are beginning to take shape in preparation for the 2020/21 season. In addition to the 9 players domestically contracted, and the 4 players contracted to NZC central contracts - there are another 4 players and 3 training partners that will be supported as part of the wider Sparks squad. The make up of the group is as follows:

• Suzie Bates (NZC Contract)
• Hayley Jensen (NZC Contract) 
• Katey Martin (NZC Contract)
• Eden Carson (NZC Development Contract)
• Caitlin Blakely (Domestic Contract)
• Bella James (Domestic Contract)
• Emma Black (Domestic Contract)
• Bhagya Herath (Domestic Contract)
• Polly Inglis (Domestic Contract)
• Millie Cowan (Domestic Contract)
• Sophie Oldershaw (Domestic Contract)
• Marina Lamplough (Domestic Contract)
• Gemma Adams (Domestic Contract)
• Olivia Gain (Wider-Squad)
• Molly Loe (Wider-Squad)
• Sophie Gray (Wider-Squad)
• Saffron Wilson (Wider-Squad)
• Megan Meltzer (Wider-Squad)
• Bridget Thayer (Training Partner)
• Harriet Cuttance (Training Partner)
• Hattie Vincent (Training Partner)

New players to the group this year include Gemma Adams from Auckland and Saffron Wilson from Nelson. This year also see’s the return of Polly Inglis from the United Kingdom. Along with the new players it will be exciting to see the continued development of our young playing group including Eden Carson, Emma Black, Olivia Gain, Molly Loe and Megan Meltzer. With the unavailability of our three WHITE FERNS across large parts of the season, there will be plenty of playing opportunities for the squad across both formats of the game. Millie Cowan, Caitlin Blakely and Bella James will be important members of this group, having experienced plenty of domestic cricket.

Gemma Adams (pictured), one of the new faces for the SBS Bank Otago Sparks.

Image: Photosport.nz (c) 

In terms of support staff we welcome Craig Cumming into the Sparks as head coach. His experience and proffesionalism will be a great asset to our young team. Craig had the following to say about the 2020/21 SBS Bank Otago Sparks squad.

“We are very excited to announce the SBS Bank Otago Sparks Squad for the 2020-2021 season. We believe we have a great mix of experience players and exciting talent, who have all been working hard in preseason and are looking forward to the upcoming season”.

Craig will be supported by Mark Bracewell who has put in countless hours with the group over recent years. Ex-Otago Sparks player, Megan Gibbs, will join the management group as strength and conditioning coach and will travel with the team throughout the season. It’s great to have Megan as part of the group and the players will benefit greatly from having her in the environment.

*ENDS*

Article added: Tuesday 27 October 2020