New Zealand coach Hesson extends contract

New Zealand cricket team's head coach Mike Hesson on Thursday extended his contract until after the 2019 World Cup.

Batting coach Craig McMillan, manager Mike Sandle and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson also saw their contracts extended.

New Zealand are currently ranked No.1 on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) T20 table; No.2 in One Day Internationals, and No.5 in Tests.

New Zealand Cricket's chief executive David White was happy to confirm the development.

"This is very positive in terms of our succession planning; our preparation for the major events on the horizon and, not least, general team stability," he said in a statement.

"It was really important for us to retain the intellectual property and institutional knowledge that these people have developed."

White praised Hesson and lauded the emergence and potential of McMillan, describing Sandle and Donaldson as "leaders in their field".

"Mike's the most successful coach in New Zealand cricket history and, in my opinion, the best selector we've ever had," he said.

"To have him committed to the Blackcaps until after the next world cup is great news for all concerned."

Hesson said coaching New Zealand was a challenge that still excited and motivated him on a daily basis.

"Being around a group which works together and is striving to head in the same direction is extremely rewarding," he said.

"It's a privilege to be a part of the Blackcaps culture and I feel lucky to be able to contribute to that for a little bit longer."

New Zealand will next tour southern Africa in July-August - for a couple of Tests against Zimbabwe and South Africa, respectively.

--IANS

sam/bg