Craig Cumming’s career began in 2003 when he was called upon New Zealand's second-string squad for the one-day tour of Pakistan. He played as the opening batsman but didn’t score remarkably well. He was retained for New Zealand's next home one-day series, against Pakistan. After a slow start, he scored 45 not out and 31 in the last two matches, and helped New Zealand win the series 4-1. Cummings moved from Canterbury to Otago in August 2000, and averages in the mid thirties in first-class cricket. He also bowls right-arm medium.