Otago Cricket today confirmed the first thirteen players to receive Volts contracts for the 2012-13 season.
The total number of players contracted by each major association has increased from 12 to 14.
Hamish Rutherford, James Neesham and Mark Craig receive Volts contracts for the first time while Neil Broom returns to a domestic contract after being contracted by the BLACKCAPS last season.
Warren McSkimming (unavailable until Christmas due to work commitments) and Craig Smith (taking time away from cricket to travel while recovering from a stress fracture in his back) were not considered for selection. Craig Cumming retired at the end of last season.
Otago Volts coach Vaughn Johnson said “the contract list reflects a policy to reward players from our area and those who have been loyal to the Volts in recent seasons.
Hamish Rutherford forced his way onto the list with his remarkable finish to last season. With Craig Cumming stepping aside Hamish's impressive run of form came at a great time, Hamish and other young top order players in our squad now have a fantastic opportunity.
Jimmy Neesham is a player with immense potential with both bat and ball, Jimmy showed us what he is capable of in limited overs formats last season and we look forward to his continued improvement.
Mark Craig has been an important part of our wider squad for quite some time. With the health problems Mark has had it is easy to forget he was a key part of the Volts twenty20 side the year they won.
The unavailability of Warren McSkimming for the first half and Craig Smith for the season does leave the bowling a touch thin so the 14th contract is likely to be awarded to a seam bowler".
Volts Contracted Players 2012-13
Derek de Boorder. Nick Beard, Michael Bracewell, Darren Broom, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Mark Craig, James McMillan, Jimmy Neesham, Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Neil Wagner, Sam Wells
One to be added in the second round of contracting on 9 August.
Brendon & Nathan McCullum are centrally contracted to the BLACKCAPS by New Zealand Cricket.
Full list of other teams
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