McMillan's Full-time Appointment Bolsters White Ferns' World Cup Hopes
Craig McMillan steps into a full-time role as White Ferns' assistant coach, strengthening New Zealand's women's cricket program ahead of the World Cup. His appointment marks a significant investment in women's cricket development.

Craig McMillan during White Ferns training session, preparing team for upcoming World Cup challenges
In a significant move strengthening New Zealand Cricket's women's program, Craig McMillan has been elevated to a full-time assistant coach position with the White Ferns, marking a crucial development in the team's preparation for the upcoming Women's Cricket World Cup.
Strategic Appointment Amid Global Competition
McMillan's transition from a part-time role to a full-time position demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in international sports. The former New Zealand player and batting coach will focus exclusively on developing the White Ferns' batting and fielding departments, working alongside Ben Sawyer and Dean Brownlie.
"I'm over the moon to be in this role with the WHITE FERNS. 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 expressed.
World Cup Preparations in Full Swing
The White Ferns have demonstrated their serious intent for the upcoming World Cup with comprehensive preparation strategies, including a specialized training camp in Chennai. This strategic move aims to acclimatize players to spin-friendly conditions they'll encounter in India during the October-November tournament.
Key Developments:
- Dedicated focus on batting and fielding improvements
- Integration with the female Players of Interest programme
- Strategic training camps in subcontinental conditions
- World Cup squad announcement scheduled for September 10
McMillan's appointment, following the team's triumph at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE, represents Wellington's growing investment in women's sports development and leadership.
Ella Thompson
Ella Thompson is a Wellington-based journalist covering politics, climate policy, and digital freedoms in the Pacific. With a background in law and international relations, she brings sharp analysis and a passion for civic accountability.