New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced that Mike Hesson has been appointed BLACKCAPS Head Coach.
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.
NZC Director of Cricket, John Buchanan, said he was delighted to have a coach of such a high calibre working with the BLACKCAPS.
“We were impressed with the way Mike presented himself and he was the stand-out applicantfrom a strong field of candidates.
“Mike has been a successful First-Class coach with the Otago teamin recent years and has also had valuable experience working with New Zealand A sides. He also spent some time assisting the BLACKCAPS coaching staff during the 2010 Chappell/Hadlee Series and we’re fortunate to have secured his services for the national team.
“Mike’s impressive career path also includes the SportNZ Elite Coach Accelerator Programmewhere henot only had the honour of being selected for the programme, but finished as one of the highly commended participants.
“He will bring a freshness and new energy to the side and 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 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 BLACKCAPS need as we look to move our team forward.”
Mike Hesson said it was ‘an honour and a privilege’ to be named BLACKCAPS Head Coach.
“Having the opportunity to coach the BLACKCAPS is very special for me.
“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 that’s what I intend to do with the BLACKCAPS.
“It’s a big challenge but one I’m ready for and excited about.”