SBS Bank Otago Sparks have signed two English Internationals to plug some of the experience lost with the departure of its three White Ferns to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with another on ICC Women’s U19 World Cup duty.   

Kirstie Gordon (25) and Linsey Smith (27) arrive in Dunedin early this week in readiness for Sundays’ Super Smash fixture against the CD Hinds.   

The gulf in quality and experience created by the departure of Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, and Eden Carson alongside Paige Loggenberg, with a predominantly young and developing squad, and the possibility of a playoff spot persuaded Head Coach Craig Cumming to look to replace some of that bowling experience with overseas recruits.   

“Our two imports will assist to add variation and depth and will partly offset the loss of our White Ferns, as we look to close out our Super Smash campaign in a positive manner.  Importantly Kirstie and Linsey will have plenty of time to work alongside our young bowling unit to provide invaluable leadership and off field spin bowling development opportunity”.   

Smith, a left arm orthodox spin bowler and left-hand bat, last played for England in 2019 and currently plays for the Southern Vipers, the Northern Superchargers (in the 100) and played for the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL in 2021.2022.  

Gordon has represented both Scotland and England (last in 2018) and currently plays for the Loughborough Lightning and the Birmingham Phoenix (in the 100). Like Smith, Gordon is an orthodox left arm spinner. 

Steve Martin, GM Performance emphasised the importance of adding experience to the bowling unit, particularly as the Sparks head into the last three rounds and as the pressure builds for teams vying for a playoff berth.   

“Having carefully considered the potential of players from within our Otago set up who could fulfil the roles required, it was decided that it would not have been beneficial for our very young players to be exposed at this point in their career to the pressures of what is effectively playoff cricket, in New Zealand’s premier domestic competition.  It was felt that the Hallyburton Johnstone 50 over competition provides much better opportunities for the development of our talented young players”. 

Smith and Gordon are available throughout the remainder of the Super Smash campaign.   

Article added: Tuesday 24 January 2023