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Mike Hesson when coaching Otago - Source: Photosport -
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Former Otago coach Mike Hesson has been named as the new Black Caps coach this afternoon.
Hesson, who coached Otago for six years and recently had a short
stint with the Kenyan national side, will join the team for the
upcoming tour of India with his contract running through to the end
of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
He replaces John Wright after the current tour of the West Indies.
Wright turned down a new contract after struggling to work under
controversial Director of Cricket John Buchanan.
Buchanan said he was delighted to have a coach of such a high
calibre working with the Black Caps.
We were impressed with the way Mike presented himself and he was
the stand-out applicantfrom a strong field of candidates," Buchanan
said.
Mike has been a successful First-Class coach with the Otago team in
recent years and has also had valuable experience working with New
Zealand A sides. He also spent some time assisting the Black
Caps coaching staff during the 2010 Chappell/Hadlee Series and were
fortunate to have secured his services for the national team.
He will bring a freshness and new energy to the sideand we know he is more than capable of developing and growing the team as we work towards the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
NZC Chief Executive, David White, said the organisation was
right behind Hesson and he was thrilled with the long-term
commitment he has made to NZC.
Mike has all the right attributes we are looking for in a national
coach and we are delighted have him through to the ICC World Cup
2015," he said in a statement.
He was the candidate put forward by the selection panel and has the
complete backing of the NZC Board, John Buchanan and myself.
He was earmarked early in his career as one of the most talented
coaches in New Zealand and it's pleasing to be providing an
opportunity to someone who is so deserving.
Mike is highly regarded by his peers, the players he has worked
with and the wider family of cricket and I believe he is exactly
what the Black Caps need as we look to move our team forward.
Mike Hesson said it was an honour and a privilege to be named Black
Caps Head Coach.
Having the opportunity to coach the Black Caps is very special for
me," Hesson said in a statement.
I am passionate about cricket in New Zealand and doing the best job
I can for the players and the fans of cricket in this country.
My coaching philosophy is essentially built around setting
world-class standards to produce excellence and thats what I intend
to do with the Black Caps.
Its a big challenge but one Im ready for and excited about.