Good news for the BLACKCAPS – head coach Mike Hesson and key support staff have re-signed until after the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Hesson, along with BLACKCAPS batting coach Craig McMillan, manager Mike Sandle and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson, have re-committed themselves to the side currently ranked No.1 on the International Cricket Council’s T20 table; No.2 in One Day Internationals, and No.5 in Tests.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White was delighted to confirm the retention of such key BLACKCAPS personnel.
“This is very positive in terms of our succession planning; our preparation for the major events on the horizon and, not least, general team stability,” he said.
“It was really important for us to retain the intellectual property and institutional knowledge that these people have developed.”
Mr White praised the emergence and potential of McMillan, described Sandle and Donaldson as “leaders in their field”, and reserved special comment for Hesson.
“Mike’s the most successful coach in New Zealand cricket history and, in my opinion, the best selector we’ve ever had,” he said.
“To have him committed to the BLACKCAPS until after the next world cup is great news for all concerned.”
Hesson said coaching the BLACKCAPS was a challenge that still excited and motivated him on a daily basis.
“Being around a group which works together and is striving to head in the same direction is extremely rewarding,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of the BLACKCAPS culture and I feel lucky to be able to contribute to that for a little bit longer.
He said Sandle, Donaldson and McMillan were globally respected in their roles and having their services locked in provided real stability for the BLACKCAPS, and was a great sign for the future of the team.
“We have a new leader in Kane which will bring some changes and that’s something to be excited by, too.
“Kane has his own style and philosophy, but it’s also important that he has the support which allows him and the team to thrive.”
The next assignment for the BLACKCAPS will be the tour of southern Africa in July-August – a brace of Tests against Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.
