Otago Sparks head coach and former Black Cap batsman 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 Women’s Super Smash T20 competition.
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Cumming has played a major role in the development of a talented group of young cricketers who have now tasted multiple trophy success.
He initially held a part-time role in 2020, he was appointed as the first Otago full/time head coach in 2022.
The Sparks have since won two of the past three Hallyburton Johnstone 50-over competitions and were a beaten Women’s Super Smash finalists in 2022.
He has also contributed to the development of several players, with Eden Carson and Polly Inglis now contracted to the White Ferns, as well as being a long-time mentor to Suzie Bates.
Steve Martin, New Zealand Cricket general manager of performance, believed Cumming’s legacy would 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.”
Cumming was delighted to be appointed Blaze head coach and was excited about the 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,” said Cumming.
“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,” added Cumming.
Cumming has a significant history of involvement with Otago Cricket, having been a highly-successful Otago Volts player (2000-2012) and representing New Zealand (2003-2009).
He held a commercial manager role before getting into professional coaching, at both pathways and domestic level.
Otago Cricket was appreciative of the significant impact Cumming 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 after the season.
Cumming has two sons, Zac and Jacob, who both represent Otago.