Former BLACKCAPS batter Craig McMillan has been appointed WHITE FERNS Assistant Coach for the next two years.
McMillan, who last featured for New Zealand in 2007, played 260 internationals before taking on the role of BLACKCAPS batting coach from 2014-2019.
McMillan worked with some of New Zealand’s greatest batters including Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, contributing to a successful period for the BLACKCAPS which saw them finish runners-up in the 2015 and 2019 ICC Cricket World Cups.
His most recent coaching stint was as a batting consultant for Canterbury men last season, and he also featured as a fielding coach for IPL’s Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) in 2018.
The former BLACKCAP has spent recent years as a prominent cricket commentator, helping call the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the ICC World Test Championship, and New Zealand’s international and domestic home summers with Spark Sport and TVNZ.
WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer was pleased with McMillan’s appointment.
“We’re extremely happy to have Craig on board with the WHITE FERNS program,” said Sawyer.
“He’s a proven coach with an extensive international playing career.”
Sawyer said, with the T20 World Cup just four months away, McMillan’s knowledge of diverse conditions alongside his tournament experience as a player and coach would be invaluable.
“The players are excited to start working with Craig; they’re looking forward to having him on board for the upcoming tour to England.”
McMillan said he was pleased to be returning to coaching, and making a contribution to the women’s game in New Zealand.
“I’m rapt with the appointment and to be back involved in coaching international cricket again,” he said.
“It’ll be great to be part of the WHITE FERNS family as we head into a busy nine-month schedule with some exciting challenges ahead.
“I’ve watched these talented WHITE FERNS a lot from close quarters over the past few seasons and can’t wait to join Ben, Dean and the management team in driving the group forward.”
McMillan’s first overseas assignment is the WHITE FERNS tour to England, departing New Zealand on June 13.
