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New Zealand Cricket has made a significant appointment ahead of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, promoting former Black Caps star to a full-time assistant coaching position with the White Ferns. The move comes as the reigning T20 World Cup champions prepare for their campaign in India and Sri Lanka, beginning September 30.
Legendary batter, who initially joined the women’s setup on a part-time basis just over a year ago, will now dedicate his time solely to the national team alongside head coach Ben Sawyer and batting coach Dean Brownlie. The 48-year-old was instrumental in New Zealand’s historic T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE in October 2024, marking the White Ferns’ first major title since their 2000 ODI World Cup victory.
Former Black Caps star takes charge as the new head coach of NZ women’s team
NZC appointed Craig Mcmillan as the new full time Women’s team head coach. The transition marks a significant career shift for McMillan, who has stepped back from his successful commentary career with Sky Network Television and other coaching commitments to focus exclusively on the women’s program. His playing career spanned 55 Tests and 197 ODIs for New Zealand between 1997 and 2007, accumulating over 7,800 first-class runs and establishing himself as one of the country’s most innovative batters.
McMillan’s appointment reflects New Zealand Cricket’s commitment to continuity and excellence following their breakthrough T20 World Cup success. The former Canterbury player was part of the coaching staff when the White Ferns defeated South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai, with Player of the Match Amelia Kerr contributing 43 runs and taking three crucial wickets.
“I’m over the moon to be in this role. The women’s game is going from strength to strength, and I’m excited to continue to work with our talented players and help them reach their goals,” McMillan stated to ESPNcricinfo. His enthusiasm is evident as he reflects on the team’s recent achievements and future potential.
Strategic preparations for subcontinental success
The coaching trio has been working intensively to prepare the White Ferns for the challenging conditions they will face in the upcoming World Cup. In August, McMillan and Sawyer oversaw a comprehensive two-week training camp at the Chennai Super Kings Academy, exposing players to the spin-friendly conditions they will encounter during the tournament.
“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 like what they’ll face in October-November. The team is pumped to get back to India and take on another World Cup,” McMillan explained.
The camp featured seven contracted players including seam all-rounder Jess Kerr, opener Georgia Plimmer, and Brooke Halliday, alongside three emerging talents identified as future prospects for Indian conditions. This strategic approach demonstrates New Zealand’s long-term planning and commitment to adapting their game for subcontinental cricket.
Sawyer also commended the preparation approach. The Australian-born coach, who earlier served as an assistant with Australia’s women’s team, highlighted the value of heat acclimatization and natural adjustment to Indian conditions. The White Ferns’ World Cup campaign begins October 1 against defending champions Australia in Indore, with their squad announcement scheduled for September 10. As part of their final preparations, the team will play warm-up matches against South Africa and India in Bengaluru.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
