Craig McMillan’s appointment as full-time assistant coach for the New Zealand White Ferns marks a strategic turning point. Just over a year after joining the team part-time, the former Black Caps batsman is now fully committed to advancing New Zealand’s women’s cricket, focusing on batting, fielding, and player development ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India[1][3].
A Proven Track Record with the White Ferns
McMillan’s elevation to a full-time role is no surprise. He played a crucial role in New Zealand’s 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup triumph in the UAE, where his expertise in batting and fielding helped shape a title-winning strategy[1][4]. The White Ferns were noted for their dynamic top order and sharp fielding displays—areas where McMillan’s influence was clear.
New Zealand’s women’s team are hungry to build on that success, eyeing a rare ICC ODI trophy to complement their T20 crown. By relinquishing other coaching and commentary commitments, McMillan ensures his undivided focus is on cultivating a team capable of becoming cricketing world champions once again[1][5].
Tactical and Technical Focus Areas
Batting Excellence and Adaptability
McMillan’s coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability and consistency in line with modern one-day international demands. The World Cup in India poses unique challenges: turning pitches, variable bounce, and spin-friendly conditions.
To prepare, McMillan and head coach Ben Sawyer have prioritized:
Technique against spin: Intensive net sessions simulating subcontinental spin have been key, ensuring batters can rotate strike and build innings under pressure.
Power hitting & pacing innings: The White Ferns have worked on balancing aggressive stroke play with measured accumulation to optimize scoring rates without unnecessary risk.
Middle-order stability: Developing finishers who can handle high-pressure chases or set defendable totals underpins New Zealand’s balanced batting unit.
Fielding and Athleticism
The White Ferns are already one of the world’s best fielding sides, but McMillan is pushing further improvements. Fielding drills focus on anticipation, quick recovery, and reducing run leaks in key fielding positions.
Fielding agility and high-impact ground coverage can turn matches, especially in low-scoring or tightly contested encounters expected in World Cups. The full-time role allows McMillan to tailor training closely to opposition strengths and ground conditions[1].
Impact on Key Players
McMillan’s skillset aligns perfectly with the current crop of New Zealand women cricketers. Players like captain Sophie Devine, who combine destructive batting with versatile bowling, benefit from focused technical support to refine shot selection and fitness.
Rising stars in the White Ferns squad will also gain from his mentorship, bridging the gap between raw talent and international readiness. McMillan’s experience as a top-level international player offers guidance in reading game situations—a crucial factor during World Cup pressure moments.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head
New Zealand has come agonizingly close to ICC ODI glory before, finishing runners-up twice (1997, 2000). Their recent World Cup campaigns have seen semi-final exits, often narrowly outplayed by Australia and England.
The appointment of McMillan signals an intent to break that pattern. With Australia dominating the women’s game, tactical innovation and mental resilience coaching from McMillan could be the difference-maker New Zealand needs to finally eclipse their rivals on the ODI stage.
Preparing for the ODI World Cup Challenge
The White Ferns have been rigorously preparing with winter training camps, including one in Chennai, to acclimatize to Indian conditions ahead of the tournament beginning in October[1]. The full squad announcement on September 10 will reveal the players most likely to benefit from McMillan’s hands-on coaching approach.
With McMillan now fully embedded in the coaching team alongside Ben Sawyer and Dean Brownlie, New Zealand are sharpening their tactical acumen. This holistic approach — from technical batting tweaks to cutting-edge fielding drills — addresses the multifaceted challenges of World Cup cricket.
Craig McMillan’s full-time role is set to deliver a tactical edge for New Zealand’s White Ferns. His proven expertise in batting and fielding, combined with a commitment to player growth, makes him a key figure in New Zealand’s quest for ODI World Cup glory in 2025. Fans can expect a White Ferns side that is sharper, smarter, and more adaptable on cricket’s biggest stage.
Source: www.espncricinfo.com