SBS Bank Otago Sparks Head Coach Craig Cumming has been appointed Head Coach of the Blaze, based at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. He will depart for the UK at the conclusion of the Super Smash competition. 

Cumming has played a major role in the development of a talented group of young cricketers who have now tasted multiple trophy success. Having initially held a part time role in 2020, he was appointed as the first Otago full time head coach in 2022.  The SBS Bank Sparks have since won two of the past three Hallyburton Johnstone 50 over competitions and were a beaten Super Smash finalist in 2022.  He has also contributed to the development of several players, with Eden Carson and Polly Inglis now contracted to the WHITEFERNS, as well as being a long-time mentor to Suzie Bates. 

GM of Performance, Steve Martin believes that Cumming’s legacy will be his development of a culture and environment that has established a strong foundation for the women’s professional game to strive.  

“Craig has done a tremendous job developing players through his technical and tactical expertise and his ability to create quality performance team environments. We wish him well as he moves into the next phase of his coaching journey at the Blaze” Martin added.  

Cumming is delighted to be appointed Blaze Head Coach and is excited about this new opportunity to progress his professional career.  

“Having spent a month with the organisation during winter I saw first-hand the ambition and quality of people involved with the Blaze” Cumming said.  

“It inspired me to want to be part of the Blaze team. The downside is that it means I will be leaving the Sparks. This is a team that means so much to me and I will always be indebted to all the players and support staff for their support to me as a coach but most importantly as a person. They are a very special group, and I will miss being a part of this team but am thankful that they have given me five amazing years that I will cherish forever” Cumming added.  

Cumming has a significant history of involvement with Otago Cricket, having been a highly successful Otago Volts player (2000-2012) as well as representing New Zealand (2003-2009).  He held a Commercial Manager role before getting into professional coaching, at both pathways and domestic level.  Otago Cricket is appreciative of the significant impact Craig has had on the association and made him an honorary member in 2023. 

Otago Cricket will put in place a temporary coach to see out the remaining Hallyburton Johnstone Shield matches from early March, before taking time to consider the process to find a replacement coach post season end.   

Article added: Monday 02 December 2024