The Otago Cricket Association announced its nine players to be offered domestic contracts for the upcoming season.
Otago Cricket performance and talent manager Simon Forde said the decision was not an easy one, and put this down to the depth of quality female cricketers throughout Otago.
‘‘It’s great to announce such a quality group of cricketers in the SBS Bank Otago Sparks contract group for the 2020-21 season. It’s a sign of emerging depth when quality players miss out on the contract group as they have this year,’’ Forde said.
This year’s contracts feature one new face, Auckland Hearts all-rounder Adams.
Adams (18) made her debut for the Hearts in last year’s Hallyburton Shield, and will add value to the Sparks with both the bat and ball.
Inglis also returns to the contract list after a two-year stint in the United Kingdom where she played cricket and hockey as well as worked.
Inglis' inclusion in the squad will add valuable experience to the group, having appeared for the Sparks in 97 matches since 2012.
Otago’s three centrally contracted White Ferns — Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen and Katey Martin — will join the nine domestically contracted players to form the nucleus of the team for this season.
The contracting of Eden Carson also on a development contract with New Zealand Cricket gives the Sparks a team with some options with both bat and ball.
The side, which will be coached by Craig Cumming, brought in young Australians Amanda Wellington and Hannah Darlington last year for the twenty20 competition. But with border restrictions and a tighter budget, this may not be repeated this season.
The White Ferns are likely to be more available this season.
The Sparks opening game is a one day match against Canterbury in Oamaru on November 21.
Otago Sparks
Domestic contracts
Gemma Adams, Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Millie Cowan, Bhagya Herath, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Marina Lamplough, Sophie Oldershaw.
NZC Contracts
Suzie Bates, Hayley Jensen, Katey Martin, Eden Carson (NZC development contract).
