The Volts have named a relatively inexperienced top order for their opening Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts at the University Oval today.
With 118 first-class matches under his belt, Cumming is a vastly experienced campaigner, and Greg Todd, with 45 games behind him, has also crafted a good first-class record.
But with Aaron Redmond, Neil Broom and Brendon and Nathan McCullum unavailable due to national commitments, and bowling all-rounder Ian Butler also with the Black Caps, the leftovers are light on experience.
Shaun Haig has played 15 matches, Leighton Morgan 11 and Hamish Rutherford just five.
Darren Broom is yet to make his first-class debut.
Cumming, though, remained upbeat.
"While we do have some inexperience . . . I'm more than comfortable with the experience we do have and the skills we've got," Cumming said.
"I remember a time when if we had five guys out we would have been pulling guys out of club cricket who you wouldn't have heard off. But we are still having to leave some good guys out of our side. So that shows we have a strong squad."
Otago coach Mike Hesson named a 13-strong squad for the match to give himself an extra option.
Darren Broom shapes as the unlucky player to miss out with either Mat Harvie or Anthony Bullick carrying the drinks.
Bullick may get the nod following strong performances in the warm-up matches against Canterbury last week.
"His form has been great," Cumming said.
"He's played a little bit before but he is a far better player than he was then. So I expect him to do well."
Bullick played two first-class games in 2007-08 and took just one wicket.
Otago strike bowler James McMillan was not considered even though he has recovered from a hamstring strain and is back bowling in the nets.
With a long summer ahead it was decided he should rest.
Despite compiling an impressive record in the limited-over formats in recent seasons, Otago has struggled in the four-day tournament.
The Volts have scored enough runs to put pressure on their opposition but have laboured to take 20 wickets.
"It is definitely an area we have highlighted and we've talked a lot about," Cumming said.
"It has probably been the difference between finishing where we have in this competition or getting further up."
Northern Districts coach Grant Bradburn is expecting a bowler-friendly pitch for the fixture, leaving out experienced left-arm slow bowler Bruce Martin and opting for a four-pronged pace attack of Graeme Aldridge, Brent Arnel, Trent Boult and former Otago player Bradley Scott.
Boult, who is returning from a back injury, took five for 58 at the venue last season.
Anton Devcich booked a place in the team to come south with 122 against his team-mates in a warm-up match last week.
Test player Daniel Flynn will be looking to get into some good form ahead of the three-match test series against Pakistan which gets under way in Dunedin on November 24.
Otago v Northern
University Oval, Nov 10-13
Otago: Craig Cumming (captain), Leighton Morgan, Shaun Haig, Greg Todd, Hamish Rutherford, Darren Broom, Derek de Boorder, Sam Wells, Warren McSkimming, Neil Wagner, Nick Beard, Anthony Bullick, Mathew Harvie.
Northern Districts: James Marshall (captain), Graeme Aldridge, Brent Arnel, Trent Boult, Anton Devcich, Daniel Flynn, Peter McGlashan, Michael Parlane, Bradley Scott, Kane Williamson, Brad Wilson, Joey Yovich.
