Craig McMillan appointed as assistant coach of New Zealand Women’s team

Craig McMillan. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Former New Zealand batter, Craig McMillan has been named as the assistant coach of the New Zealand Women’s team. McMillan has coaching experience having served as New Zealand men’s teams batting coach from 2014 to 2019. This was the same period where the Kiwis reached two consecutive ODI World Cup finals.

McMillan will be coaching the White Ferns alongside Head Coach Ben Sawyer. His coaching stint will commence as the New Zealand Women tour to England later this month. In his illustrious career of ten years, McMillan has played 260 international games for Kiwis from 1997 to 2007. His latest coaching experience was with Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League 2018 where he served as the fielding coach.

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“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 players a lot from close quarters over the past few seasons and can’t wait to join the management team in driving the group forward,” said McMillan as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“He’s a proven coach with an extensive international playing career. The players are excited to start working with Craig; they’re looking forward to having him on board for the upcoming tour to England,” said New Zealand Women’s Head Coch, Sawyer.

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Lauren Down returns for the England Tour

New Zealand are set to tour England for three ODIs and five T20Is, between June 26 and July 17. They will then board their flights to Australia for a three-match T20I series in September, followed by the T20 World Cup in October. Lauren Down has returned to the national side after a sabbatical from cricket as she became a mother.

New Zealand squad for England Tour:

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down (ODIs), Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Mikaela Greig, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek (T20Is), Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu (T20Is).