McMillan named New Zealand batting coach

Former Test batsman Craig McMillan has joined New Zealand as their full-time batting coach for the next two years. McMillan filled the role temporarily during their recent tour of the West Indies after Bob Carter's departure earlier this year and has just returned home from a successful New Zealand A tour of England.

He will now be part of the permanent setup, joining head coach Mike Hesson, who on Wednesday had his contract extended until 2017, and bowling coach Shane Bond. New Zealand Cricket's head of cricket Lindsay Crocker said McMillan had established a good rapport with the players over the past few months.

"The West Indies and NZA tours were his first as a coach at that level, and we're very happy with his development," Crocker said. "He's been awarded his two-year contract on that basis and I'm confident he'll continue to form an excellent coaching trio with Mike and Shane."

McMillan played 55 Tests for New Zealand from 1997 to 2005, scored six centuries and averaged 38.46. In 197 one-day internationals he scored three hundreds and averaged 28.18. He retired from first-class cricket in 2007.