Cumming matched a number thought to be unreachable when he scored his 17th first-class century for Otago against Wellington at the Basin Reserve on Thursday.
The veteran opening batsman raced from nine centuries to 17 in the space of just two seasons to match Sutcliffe's Otago record.
Now the question is whether Cumming (34) will be back for another season to chase an 18th ton and the 792 runs he needs to break Sutcliffe's record for the most first-class runs for Otago.
"I don't know yet. To be honest, I think my body's been in shutdown for the last week," Cumming said when asked about his future yesterday.
"Mentally and physically, I don't think I've ever been so tired. It's been a huge year, starting in Sri Lanka with the Black Caps in July-August, then going to India, then the domestic season.
"I've been doing this for 17 years and you get to the stage where you're pleased to get home, and pleased to tell the kids that you're not going away again.
"There's a lot of rest and recuperation ahead, and I've got a job to get back to, so I'll sit down over the next month or two to assess my future.
"I'm very passionate about playing for Otago. As long as I've got the passion to play the game, I'll be playing."
Cumming started his first-class career in Canterbury but made his name as a prolific batsman and astute leader after moving to Otago in the 2000-01 season.
He has got married and had two children in Otago, and played a key role in helping the province flourish, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
A student of the game, Cumming has a deep respect for the great Sutcliffe, Otago's and arguably New Zealand's greatest batsman, and will not use breaking Sutcliffe's centuries record as motivation to keep playing.
"I don't think the feeling of moving ahead could eclipse the way I felt by equalling him.
"In some ways, I'd possibly feel a little uncomfortable about moving ahead of him.
"It's very, very humbling to have my name alongside Bert Sutcliffe. If you play enough cricket, you score runs. But the 100s record is one that cricketers love.
"Bert's record was phenomenal. Mine's not close to it in terms of average. But to get 17 100s is something I am very proud of."
Cumming was overcome with emotion when he raised the bat at the Basin Reserve.
Battling to save the game, fatigue set in when he reached 60 but he had enough energy left to celebrate with more animation than usual when he cut Luke Woodcock behind square to pass 100.
He said the record only came in his sights at the end of last summer, and he knew it was a possibility when he scored a century in the first Plunket Shield game this season.
Cumming is at his batting peak, following last season's effort of 784 runs (average 65.33) with 924 (61.60) this summer.
He said a change in technique had done wonders for his batting, and he felt more in control at the crease.
"I suppose I'm also a bit older and feel more driven to score 100s.
"I feel like the bowlers have to get me out now. I don't make some of the mistakes I used to."
Cumming, who averaged 25.94 in his 11 tests but has not played one since January 2008, does not have a favourite Otago century.
He is a little rueful at one terrible statistic - only one of his centuries, 102 against Auckland at the University Oval last month, was in a game that Otago won.
Cumming also feels a tinge of frustration that, in 17 opportunities, he only passed 150 twice.
"I always dreamed of getting 200. But I can't complain. I'll take 17 100s."
Cumming, Greg Todd (95) and Nathan McCullum (54) helped Otago, chasing 600 to beat Wellington, bat all day on Thursday.
When stumps were called, the Volts were 344 for seven. They finished fourth in the Plunket Shield, won in runaway fashion by Northern Districts.
