Cricket’s Rising Star Olivia Gain Ventures to the North for Cricketing Growth

Young Otago batter Olivia Gain has crossed the seas to sharpen her cricketing skills during the New Zealand winter in Yorkshire, England.

Gain, a promising talent at 22, has put her studies and previous work experiences on hold to fully commit to reaching the pinnacle of her sport. Having traveled to England for the second consecutive year, she is determined to gain valuable experience on her cricketing journey.

Last year, Gain found her cricketing home at Finchampstead Cricket Club in Berkshire, but this year she has set up camp in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, to both coach and play for Sessay Cricket Club. Living at a boarding school, Ampleforth College, she is fully immersed in coaching and training, with regular one-on-one sessions with her coach and weekend games with the Sessay team. Gain is currently participating in the T20 format for the women’s first XI, with plans to experience the Hundred format and 40-over matches this summer.

Despite the distance from her roots at St Hilda’s Collegiate School in Dunedin, Gain’s talent has continued to shine brighter with each opportunity. Representing Otago Sparks and New Zealand U19s, she is determined to excel in the role of wicketkeeper, an area she is actively developing with guidance from experienced players and coaches.

Otago Sparks head coach Craig Cumming applauds Gain’s decision to seek international exposure, recognizing her potential for higher honors in the future. With increasing opportunities for female cricketers to showcase their skills globally, the stage is set for players like Gain to rise to the occasion.

Gain’s teammate Suzie Bates, a seasoned player for the White Ferns, praises the development of female cricket and the benefits of playing overseas to broaden horizons and skills. As Gain embarks on her cricketing sojourn in the UK, she aims to make the most of the experience, network with other players, and ultimately strive towards her dream of representing the White Ferns.

Embracing the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead, Gain’s journey to the north promises growth and enrichment, paving the way for a bright future in the world of cricket.