New Zealand bring in McMillan in quest for ICC trophy double

New Zealand have bolstered their coaching stocks in a bid to claim the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, hiring Craig McMillan on a full-time basis.

McMillan returns after joining the team on a part-time contract last year, helping the White Ferns to Women's T20 World Cup success in UAE.

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The former Black Caps all-rounder will support the women's side across batting and fielding departments, under head coach Ben Sawyer.

“I’m over the moon to be in this role with the White Ferns,” said McMillan upon the announcement.

“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.

“The last year has gone so quickly and I’ve loved every minute of being part of a team that continues to improve, challenge one another, and does special things on the world stage."

The White Ferns have been extensive in their preparation for the upcoming Cricket World Cup, travelling to Chennai in August for a training camp in a bid to adapt to spin-friendly conditions.

McMillan says the build-up puts the side in a strong position as they aim to add to their trophy cabinet, having won the T20 World Cup in a comparable climate.

“It’s been a busy period leading into the 50-over World Cup.

“We’ve had a number of camps including one in Chennai which exposed the players to Indian conditions like what they’ll face in October-November.

“The team is pumped to get back to India and take on another World Cup.”

New Zealand begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 1 at Indore.

The overall prize money at the eight-team marquee tournament totals $13.88 million (US Dollars) - a monumental rise of 297 percent from $3.5 million at the last edition held in New Zealand in 2022.