Craig McMillan appointed Bangladesh batting coach

Former New Zealand middle-order batsman Craig McMillan has been appointed as the batting consultant for the Bangladesh Cricket team two months away from their tour to Sri Lanka. McMillan has replaced former South African Cricketer Neil McKenzie on the job.

McMillan made his International debut for New Zealand in 1997. He went on to play for 10 years for his country, scoring over 8,000 runs across formats. Post his playing career, he took to coaching, working with the New Zealand national Cricket team from 2014 to 2019 as batting coach.

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He has had coaching stints with New Zealand domestic team Canterbury, Middlesex, and Kings XI Punjab in the IPL as well. In addition to that, he has done some television commentary work after his stint with the BlackCaps.

Craig McMillan providing underarm throwdowns to New Zealand’s Tom Latham during his stint as New Zealand batting coach

McMillan will join fellow former New Zealand Cricketer Daniel Vettori among the Bangladesh Cricket team coaching staff. Vettori has been working as Bangladesh’s spin bowling consultant.

Bangladeshi media people reported that McMillan will join the team during its pre-tour camp in Sri Lanka, as will Vettori who is working with the spinners in the test side as well as the academy squad.

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Meanwhile, McKenzie, said he was sad to leave the team after working with them since July 2017. The former South African opener told ESPNCricinfo, “Yes, I’ve resigned, the only reason being time away from the family. With COVID, the schedule, and doing all formats, the time away from my young family would be too much.

“I’ve loved being a part of the Tigers and will always have a soft spot for Bangladesh cricket and the great guys I’ve been fortunate to work with.”