Craig McMillan will relinquish his position as the batting coach of New Zealand after the World Cup in England this year.
The former New Zealand batsman noted that a packed international schedule was the key reason for his decision to step down from the role. He was appointed as the batting coach before the Windies tour in May 2014.
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“I spoke to the family because they are the ones that have had to make a lot of sacrifices over the last five years, just with the amount of cricket in this day and age,” McMillan said. “It just gets more and more every year. And I sort of knew within myself that it was time for a change for me.”
McMillan said that it was a privilege to work with players of the calibre of Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum. He also added that the highlight of his tenure was being a part of the World Cup on home soil (in 2015). New Zealand put up an impressive show in the mega-event, reaching the final of the tournament.
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“To be involved in such an incredible World Cup on home soil and see the way the country embraced the team was really special. It’s been a privilege to be able to work with the likes of Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor day-in and day-out and to see the records they’ve accomplished has been very satisfying; as has the development of younger players like Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls.”
Kane Williamson praised the former New Zealand captain for his passion towards the game and said that he will be missed by the players. “Macca has a huge passion for the game and he’s constantly trying to challenge players to get better. He has a lot of cricket knowledge and will certainly be missed by the group, although maybe his fielding warm-ups on those cold mornings won’t be.”
Meanwhile, David White, the CEO of New Zealand, observed that the position will be filled by the time New Zealand tour Sri Lanka in August this year.
