The domestic cricket season starts on Monday. Hayden Meikle gets some early thoughts from veteran Otago opening batsman Craig Cumming.
A: It's an exciting year ahead.
Our goal is to win all three competitions and we've been training with that in mind, Anything other than first in every competition will probably be deemed a failure. We've got a core group of guys that are good enough and experienced enough.
Q: Is it going to be strange for you, playing for Otago and not being the captain?
A: Yes and no. I'm enjoying just being a player. And with my experience, I've become a little more hands-on with some mentoring of batsmen.
I think Aaron Redmond will do a great job, and I'll be there to support him.
Q: You're just 78 runs away from breaking Bert Sutcliffe's record for runs scored for Otago. Does that motivate you at all?
A: With my goals, that should be nailed in my first innings.
It's not my motivation and it's not something that keeps me awake at night. I'm sure, when I sit back at the end of my career, it's something I'll be proud of.
Q: What has your new coach, Vaughn Johnson, brought to the team?
A: I think he's brought a lot of honesty. We've gone back to some old-school stuff, like Jamie Joseph has done with the Highlanders. It's about creating a good culture. Guys are working hard on cricket-specific stuff.
He's got a lot of experience and a winning record, and he knows how to get the best out of his players.
Q: Are you excited about England fast bowler Steven Finn playing for Otago?
A: I just met him today. He'll add a lot. We've got an attack with real pace with him, Neil Wagner, James McMillan and Ian Butler.
He's also got the experience of playing international cricket.
Most importantly, he's driven to get back into the England side. He's not over here for a holiday.
• The annual Summer of Cricket page will appear in tomorrow's Otago Daily Times. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi ponders the future of the one-day game, profiles returning Otago coach Vaughn Johnson, asks former Black Caps opener Mark Richardson for his thoughts on the South Africans, and identifies the players and games you won't want to miss this season.
