Black Caps appoint Hesson

Keep up to date with all that's new around the world - read match reports and more from every international played

Former Otago and Kenya coach Mike Hesson has been appointed New Zealand coach on a deal which runs until the end of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

The withdrawal of Matthew Mott from consideration left Hesson as the last man standing to succeed John Wright, who announced in May that he would not be extending his contract.

Upon being appointed New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said: “I’m a proud Kiwi and very much a true believer in New Zealand cricket."

“I’m a proud Kiwi and very much a true believer in New Zealand cricket,” Hesson said at a press conference in Auckland. “That means I honour the cricket traditions but it also means I am excited about the future of cricket in New Zealand.

“I haven’t been appointed to warm the seat for a couple of years and I feel confident I am certainly going to bring some value to the role.”

Hesson’s first assignment will be to take the New Zealand team to India after the completion of the tour against West Indies, when Wright bows out.

“Having the opportunity to coach the Black Caps is very special for me,” Hesson added. “I am passionate about cricket in New Zealand and doing the best job I can for the players and the fans of cricket in this country.

“My coaching philosophy is essentially built around setting world-class standards to produce excellence and that's what I intend to do with the Black Caps.

“It's a big challenge but one I'm ready for and excited about.”

He will become New Zealand’s fourth coach in as many years since the departure of the last long-term incumbent, John Bracewell, in December 2008.

Cricket New Zealand chief executive David White was thrilled to have secured Hesson’s services for the next three years.

“Mike has all the right attributes we are looking for in a national coach and we are delighted have him through to the ICC World Cup 2015,” White said.