McMillan to step down as NZ batting coach post World Cup'19

Wellington: New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan announced on Monday that he would step down from the position after the 2019 World Cup. Giving viable reason behind his decision, McMillan, who is coaching Black Caps the last five years, said that with "more and more cricket" cricket every year his family had to make a lot of sacrifices. So, it is time for a change.

"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. 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 was quoted as saying.

Under his guidance, New Zealand played their first ever World Cup final in 2015 against Australia. The cricketer turned coach admitted that the achievement is “really special” for him.

“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,” he said.

Later, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was all praise for McMillan as his expertise brought a sea change to New Zealand cricket, specially among the current generation of cricketers. Williamson said that the team would definitely miss him.

“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,” Williamson said.

According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO David White, the new batting coach will be appointed before their Test tour of Sri Lanka.