There will be way more people about to provide throw-downs for the champion Otago Sparks this season.
Last summer, the Sparks more or less got by with a part-time coach and a part-time manager.
It did not hurt them any — they won the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and will begin their defence with back-to-back games against Northern Districts in Whangarei this weekend.
This time around, Otago has a lot more resources to lean on.
Coach Craig Cumming has taken on an expanded role and will be available for the Sparks on a full-time capacity.
Former Volts batter Shawn Hicks has been appointed as the assistant coach.
Experienced physiotherapist Helen Littleworth has joined the team and will travel with the side.
Hayden McNulty has been appointed strength and conditioning coach — another new position for the Sparks and he will do 15 hours each week.
He has previously worked with the Highlanders and the Hawke’s Bay NPC side.
Former Volts assistant coach Adam Miles is in charge of looking after player well-being. He is based in Invercargill and has a strong background in sports psychology.
Otago Cricket Association talent and player development and pathway manager Ramesh Subasinghe is helping out with the bowling unit, while former Black Cap and Otago spinner Mark Craig is also providing some guidance for the spin bowlers.
"We have a big crew of resources available, " Cumming said, adding it was "chalk and cheese" compared with last season.
"Last year we had myself and Emma Campbell as the manager, who was just there in the weekends.
"The most important thing we are trying to do is give the players as much support as we can and it is really exciting that we’ve got that group together."
Also happening in the background has been the development of a female cricket league, so all the structures are in place to support a more professional approach.
But, with what has been a sudden step towards professionalism, there is a legitimate concern some of the players might not keep pace with the new expectations placed upon them.
In many aspects the Sparks have operated more like a club team than a provincial side in the past. Some players may have been more comfortable in that environment.
Cumming is acutely aware there could be some growing pains.
"That is something that I’m really mindful of.
"We’ve got to be really conscious of not overloading [the players]. But we have a group of people who understand that the Sparks are about enjoying themselves.
"They are friends and caring about each other is important. That will never change no mater how big your management staff is."
