After serving in a part-time role for over a year, Craig McMillan has been appointed as the full-time assistant coach of the New Zealand Women’s team, the New Zealand cricket board confirmed on Tuesday, 2 September.
With the World Cup fast approaching, McMillan will continue to work with the team’s batting and fielding departments, alongside head coach Ben Sawyer and batting coach Dean Brownlie. According to NZC, his appointment officially begins this week.
“I’m over the moon to be in this role,” McMillan said of his appointment. “The women’s game is going from strength to strength, and I’m excited to continue working with our talented players and help them reach their goals. The last year has gone so quickly and I’ve loved every minute of being part of a team that continues to improve, challenge one another, and achieve special things on the world stage.”
The 48-year-old was part of the team last year when New Zealand won the Women’s T20 World Cup, and he’s keen to help the White Ferns become double champions.
“It’s been a busy period leading into the 50-over World Cup. We’ve had a number of camps, including one in Chennai, which exposed the players to Indian conditions similar to those they’ll face in October and November. The team is pumped to get back to India and take on another World Cup.”
McMillan was with Sawyer in Chennai, where they oversaw a two-week training camp for the New Zealand Women’s team. Based on recent performances and how players fared during the camp, the squad for the upcoming marquee event — to be held in India and Sri Lanka — will be selected. The final squad will be announced on 10 September.