One player can definitely make a difference in cricket.
For the Otago Sparks that player has often been Suzie Bates.
The former White Ferns captain has dominated domestic and international cricket during a sparking career.
Last summer she was sidelined with a shoulder injury but she has also been in demand on the T20 circuit.
That has meant the 34-year-old has not played much one-day cricket for Otago in recent times.
The last time she played in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, she helped the Sparks post a 39-run win against Northern Districts in Mosgiel.
The was 2 years, 8 months, 13 days ago. It was also the last time the Sparks won a game in the competition.
The side has strung together 21 consecutive losses in the format.
She will captain the team and her experience and presence will lift the side regardless of how many runs she scores.
Sparks coach Craig Cumming is certainly pleased she will feature more this season. But equally he was thrilled with the progress some of the players made last season.
‘‘I was delighted last year with the growth of the whole group because we only really had [one White Ferns player] available when Hayley [Jensen] got injured.
‘‘I think we will see the benefits of that because they are a lot more prepared and aware now and far more confident in their roles.’’
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Katey Martin actually did most the heavy lifting the last time the Sparks won. She scored 96 from 84 deliveries and arguably no-one has sacrificed more to play for Otago.
Martin has been living in Christchurch for more than a decade but continues to play for the Sparks.
All-rounder Jensen transferred to Otago in 2019-20 to help rejuvenate her international career.
It proved an inspired move. In seven list A games for the province she has scored 245 runs at an average of 40.83 and taken nine wickets at 21.
The other key player in the line-up set to have a big impact is Kate Ebrahim. She transferred south from Canterbury this season.
Her husband Dion Ebrahim coaches the Volts and the family has moved to Dunedin.
Ebrahim was the leading scorer in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield last summer. She scored 480 runs at an average of 60, including two centuries.
She also picked up six wickets and must be pressing hard for a White Ferns recall.
‘‘She is a quality cricketer and one I personally believe should be in the White Ferns top because I think her game is that good. She has been a great addition to the group.’’
Caitlin Blakely and Polly Inglis made some real progress with the bat under Cumming’s tutelage last season.
Spinners Eden Carson and Sophie Oldershaw and medium pacer Emma Black picked up 36 wickets between them in the one-day competition.
But Otago’s strength lies in its batting and there is a lot more depth this summer.
There have been some losses, though.
Batter Millie Cowan has retired and Felicity Leydon-Davis, who signed with Otago this season, is sidelined with a back injury.
All-rounder Gemma Adams is out for the season with a knee injury.
Otago opens its one-day campaign with back-to-back games against the Central Hinds in Nelson this weekend.
The Super Smash draw came out this week and the Sparks’ opening T20 game is also against the Hinds but at home at the University Oval.
