Mike Hesson Resigns as New Zealand Coach; Cites Personal Reason

Wellington: Mike Hesson stunned New Zealand cricket on Thursday by announcing he will step down as coach at the end of next month, less than a year out from the World Cup.

The 43-year-old, who was appointed to the role in 2012, is to leave the job on July 31. He said in a statement he wanted to spend more time with his family and felt he could not commit to the job for another 12 months.

“This job requires 100 percent commitment and is all consuming,” Hesson said. “I know what’s required over the next 12 months, but if I’m honest, I don’t feel I have the capacity to give the job what it deserves.

“The idea of missing a match, a tour or a format, as has been proposed at different times, has never sat well with me.”

Hesson, who was a surprise choice for the role in 2012, had a rocky start when he dumped Ross Taylor as captain but turned the team around, guiding them to the 2015 World Cup final and the world’s top ranking in Twenty20 cricket.

New Zealand were also ranked as high as second for one-day internationals and third for tests during his tenure, which would have officially ended after the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England and Wales next year.

Skipper Kane Williamson heaped praise on the departing coach and said that majority of growth that the Kiwi team has enjoyed in the past few years is down to Hesson.

“It’s been six years, it’s gone quickly and he’s been a huge part of the growth of the team. When I came into the role, one of the good things he did was he said, ‘how do you want to look to try and do it and what do you think? We can work together on that?,” Williamson was quoted as saying by tvnz.

“We would challenge each other on things but ultimately the goal was the same – it’s about the team and seeing it progress,” the Kiwi skipper added.

Meanwhile, legendary New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum went a step further and branded Hesson as the best coach that the country has had ever as far as the sport is concerned.

“We remember the 2015 World Cup as a great time for New Zealand and Mike should be recognised for the huge part he played in that. His meticulous planning and eye for detail gave us our best chance of success and he can be proud of what he helped the team achieve. Personally, I regard him as the best coach the Blackcaps have ever had,” McCullum was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

NZC Chief Executive David White said in a statement he was reluctant to see Hesson leave.

“Mike has overseen one of NZC’s most successful periods of international cricket, he’s more than realised the potential we saw in him back in 2012 and has grown into one of the most respected coaches on the international circuit.

“I tried to persuade him to stay on for another 12 months but his mind was made up.”

New Zealand’s next cricket series is against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October and November, and White said the recruitment process for the new coach would begin shortly.