Inglis, Adams shore up Otago Sparks squad

CRICKET Otago Sparks

POLLY Inglis is back from overseas, while Gemma Adams has come south as the Sparks side starts to take shape.

The Otago Cricket Association announced its nine players to be offered domestic contracts for the upcoming season.

Otago Cricket performance and talent manager Simon Forde said the decision was not an easy one, and put this down to the depth of quality female cricketers throughout Otago.

Gemma Adams, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Millie Cowan, Bhagya Herath, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Marina Lamplough, Sophie Oldershaw.

Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, Katey Martin, Eden Carson (NZC development contract).

‘‘It’s great to announce such a quality group of cricketers in the

SBS Bank Otago Sparks contract group for the 202021 season. It’s a sign of emerging depth when quality players miss out on the contract group as they have this year,’’ Forde said.

This year’s contracts feature one new face, Auckland Hearts allrounder Adams.

Adams (18) made her debut for the Hearts in last year’s Hallyburton Shield, and will add value to the Sparks with both the bat and ball.

Inglis also returns to the contract list after a twoyear stint in the

United Kingdom where she played cricket and hockey as well as worked.

Inglis' inclusion in the squad will add valuable experience to the group, having appeared for the Sparks in 97 matches since 2012.

Otago’s three centrally contracted White Ferns — Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen and Katey Martin — will join the nine domestically contracted players to form the nucleus of the team for this season.

The contracting of Eden Carson also on a development contract with

New Zealand Cricket gives the Sparks a team with some options with both bat and ball.

The side, which will be coached by Craig Cumming, brought in young Australians Amanda Wellington and Hannah Darlington last year for the twenty20 competition. But with border restrictions and a tighter budget, this may not be repeated this season.

The White Ferns are likely to be more available this season.

The Sparks opening game is a one day match against Canterbury in Oamaru on November 21.