New Zealand Cricket extends coach Mike Hesson's contract for two years

New Zealand Cricket today confirmed a two-year extension of the Black Caps coach Mike Hesson's contract.

According to Stuff.co.nz, Hesson, 40, was initially contracted till the end of next year's World Cup, but the side's strong recent run prompted NZ Cricket chief executive David White and the board to extend his contract till April 30, 2017.

After the confirmation of Hesson's contract White said it was great news for the players and for the sport to have consistency in this role for its flagship team for nearly five years.

He said Mike worked incredibly hard to build the relatively young test team into one that is now challenging the top sides in the world, adding his selections have also earned praise from some of the greats of the game.

Hesson said it was a really exciting time for the sport with the World Cup at home, the team's senior players performing well, and a promising group of youngsters who are all fighting for World Cup spots.