Cumming encouraged by Sparks’ efforts in warm-up games

Otago Sparks coach Craig Cumming is encouraged by his side’s effort in two warm-up games against Canterbury in Timaru at the weekend.

Canterbury won both fixtures. The Sparks were missing some key personnel but showed glimpses of potential.

Felicity Leydon-Davis got the weekend off. She had a wedding to attend - her own.Fellow batter Caitlin Blakely tweaked her hamstring and did not play.

Suzie Bates is playing in the Big Bash for the Sydney Sixers, and fellow White Fern Hayley Jensen is recovering from surgery and was coaching the Otago women’s A team.

English left-arm seamer PJ Watkins is also working her way back from an injury.

The Sparks are also missing Kate Ebrahim this season. She has remained silent on her decision to make herself unavailable for Otago.

In the opening game, Canterbury posted 252 for nine and the Sparks were restricted to 220 for nine in reply.

White Ferns and Otago spinner Eden Carson shone. She took five for 42 from 10 overs, while Polly Inglis (66) and Saffron Wilson (43) put on 91 for the third wicket.

Canterbury won the second game as well. The Sparks were rolled for 173 and Canterbury passed the target with three wickets and more than 12 overs to spare.

Wilson produced another tidy effort with the bat. She clipped 48 from 73 balls, while Bella James (31) and Olivia Gain (22) made cameos at the top.

Emma Black chipped in with 25 from 28 as well.

Molly Loe and Sophie Oldershaw picked up a couple of wickets, but the Otago attack did not have enough runs to work with.

Cumming felt there were some positive signs and plenty for them to build on before the side’s opening Hallyburton Johnstone Shield games against Wellington at the Basin Reserve on November 18-19.

"It was really good for [Polly Inglis] to make a good start to the season. She is someone I think could be pushing for White Ferns selection," Cumming said.

"Saffron Wilson batted nicely across both days. It was tough for her because she did not get contracted, but she has worked exceptionally hard on her batting during the preseason as well.

"So it was nice to see her have some success."

Cumming was pleased with the bowling effort in both games as well.

"But now it is about understanding where we are at and we’ve got three weeks to [add some polish]."

The Sparks have a training camp in Invercargill this weekend.

adrian.seconi@odt.co.nz