Craig’s early cricketing journey faced a significant setback when he grappled with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, his unwavering commitment and impressive performances for Otago in domestic cricket earned him a well-deserved spot in the squad for the Black Caps’ Test tour of New Zealand in 2014. Craig’s Test debut was nothing short of spectacular, leaving a lasting impression. He made a remarkable impact by taking 8 wickets for 188 runs, a performance that made him only the third Black Cap to receive the player of the match award in his very first Test match. His exceptional journey continued, and just a few months later, during a Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, Craig reached new heights. He delivered a phenomenal performance, taking an impressive 10 wickets for 2013 runs in the series. This outstanding achievement solidified his position as a key player in the team, and he had already claimed 31 wickets from his first eight Test matches, showcasing his remarkable skills as an off-spinner.