Bob Carter named head coach of New Zealand

Bob Carter, on Friday (September 6), was appointed head coach of the New Zealand cricket team. His tenure will last until the end of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, set to be hosted in New Zealand.



Carter, was the team’s interim coach during their most recent tour to Australia, and has been working with the players since then in his role as High Performance coach. He has twice worked as assistant coach of the men’s team.



“I see a lot of potential in this particular group of cricketers,'' said Carter, following his appointment. “We have a good blend of youth and experience that we can build from and I feel very positive about this next chapter of White Ferns cricket.”



The timing of Carter’s appointment is crucial considering it is in the lead up the next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia, after which there is a short turn over for the ODI World Cup in 2021. New Zealand have had a poor run in ICC tournaments of late, and there will certainly be a great deal of pressure on Carter to turn their fortunes around.



The team is set to play three ODIs and five T20Is in preparation for the mega event in February next year.



“It’s an exciting time to come on board with two big world tournaments on the horizon,” he said. “We have the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in February next year and the Women’s World Cup 2021 that we are hosting here in New Zealand - it’s a big couple of seasons coming up.”



“We have a number of senior players who have been performing at the top of the international game and remain committed to working hard in bringing success to the White Ferns. With two ICC World Cups coming up and the women’s game growing at all levels, it’s a great time to be involved.”



Carter’s first big challenge will involve putting together a strong squad for the T20 World Cup. In the absence of Amy Satterthwaite, who recently announced her pregnancy, New Zealand will have to find an adequate replacement in the middle order. Already quite light on the batting front, it will be interesting to see whether Carter looks to youth, or turns back to the experience of the likes of Rachel Priest, Frances Mackay and Liz Perry.



Having interviewed several candidates for the position of head coach, Bryan Stronach, head of high performance, said that Carter’s experience as a coach, and as someone who has worked in the women’s game was what made the decision easier.



“We’re delighted to have Bob signed on and working with our top female cricketers,” said Stronach. “The recent Women’s MOU has been a good development for the women’s game but with the added funding and support comes an added professional responsibility. The players have endorsed Bob as a coach and enjoyed working with him in Australia. They’re keen to get stuck into what should be an exciting summer of cricket.”



David White, NZC chief executive, stated that the process for Carter’s appointment involved several rounds of consultation, including with the players. He reiterated that Carter’s experience of having been involved in New Zealand cricket for many years was what gave him the edge over the other candidates.



“We’re delighted for Bob and know he will do an excellent job,” said White. “It’s been a progressive time for women’s cricket and this latest appointment is another positive step forward for the game.”



Carter has already gotten stuck in to his new role, but will officially get a chance to work with the squad during a training camp in Lincoln that will begin on September 22. He will be consulted about the appointment of the remaining members of the support staff.