The former New Zealand batting all-rounder Craig McMillan was a veteran and more than just a handy all-rounder for New Zealand during his time at the international level.
He scored over 4,000 runs (4,707 runs) in the ODI format for the black caps. Apart from his exploits with the bat, he also picked up 49 wickets with the ball in the ODI format. He also has over 3,000 runs (3,116 runs) in the red-ball format with the bat for New Zealand. Apart from his exploits with the bat, he also picked up 28 wickets with the ball. His last international appearance came on 22nd September 2007 in a T20I against Pakistan.
After his retirement from international cricket on 17th October 2007, he switched to coaching. He took up the role of a batting coach for the New Zealand Men’s team for a five-year tenure (from 2014 to 2019). He played a crucial role in New Zealand’s success during his tenure as a batting coach. New Zealand ended up as the runners-up in the ICC Men’s 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups. Apart from being a coach, he is also a prominent commentator with Spark Sport and TV NZ. His most recent coaching stint came at the domestic level for the Canterbury men.
“I’m rapt with the appointment and to be back involved in coaching international cricket again. 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.” The former New Zealand all-rounder Craig McMillan expresses his delight on being appointed as the assistant coach and speaks about following the journey of the New Zealand women’s cricket team from the close quarters.
The New Zealand women’s team led by skipper Sophie Devine will be visiting England for a white-ball series that includes a three-match ODI series followed by a five-match T20I series. The White Ferns have recently announced their squad that saw the return of Lauren Down and Mikaela Greig for the white-ball series. The series will commence on 26th June 2024 and will conclude on 17th July 2024.
The White Ferns would be keen to bounce back from their white-ball home series defeat against England. The upcoming five-match T20I series against England could be an ideal preparation for the upcoming edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup that will be hosted by Bangladesh from 3rd October 2024 and conclude on 20th October 2024.
(Quotes sourced from New Zealand Cricket Press Release).
