Mike Hesson has stepped down from the Blackcaps’ coaching role touting “no longer able to give his all” and family issues as the reason behind the shock move. The move comes only a year out from the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England. Hesson made the announcement this afternoon in Auckland at 1 PM. A media release from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said he wanted a break from the rigours of International Cricket and to spend more time with his family.
Hesson had been in the role for six years after John Wright didn’t renew his contract and guided New Zealand to a World Cup Final in 2015 before being pipped at the post by Australia. He also made New Zealand a force to be reckoned with in home test series. Winning eight out of 11 series held here, with series wins over India and England the most notable.
Hesson made NZC Cheif David White clear of this news last week while both were in India on International Cricket Council Business. White did try and persuade Hesson to stay on to see out the World Cup. However, Hesson declined stating his “all or nothing” approach.
New Zealand will now have to find a new coach quick smart. As not only do they have the World Cup next year, they have a series coming up in October when they travel to Pakistan. A couple of names I have heard thrown in the hat are Daniel Vettori and Stephen Fleming. Both are former Blackcaps players and have had plenty of coaching experience in recent times. With Fleming and Vettori both coaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL) respectively.
Mike Hesson Coaching Blackcaps Highlights
- World Cup Final in 2015
- Semi Final at T20 World Cup in India in 2016
- Coaching New Zealand to 13 wins on the trot at home in 2017/18 season
- Beating England for the first time in a test series since 1999 in April
Hesson’s time with both Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson as respective captains have been one of the most auspicious times in New Zealand Cricket history; it has to be said. He finished with an even 21 win and 21 loss record in test cricket which included seeing McCullum score New Zealand’s first triple ton at the Basin against India. Also most recently Kane Williamson break the late Martin Crowe’s record of most test match centuries for New Zealand with 18. He has also had good records in the shorter formats of the game with 65 wins and 46 losses in One Day cricket and 30 wins and 26 losses in T20 cricket.
McCullum said himself that he thinks Hesson was the best coach the Blackcaps have ever had.
He will be missed, but the show must go on and the search to find another coach starts from now.
