Mike Hesson has resigned as coach of New Zealand effective from 31 July. 

After six years in the role, the Black Caps coach has decided to step down to spend more time with his wife and children.

This comes a year from the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales and Hesson feels that he won’t have the energy to fully commit to the role for another 12 months, hence his early resignation.

‘This job requires 100% commitment and is all-consuming,’ he said on New Zealand cricket’s official website. ‘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.

‘NZC, in particular, David White and the board, have given me incredible support, including flexibility and options. But the idea of missing a match, a tour or a format, as has been proposed at different times, has never sat well with me.

‘I couldn’t let this opportunity pass without acknowledging my wife, Kate, and our daughters Holly and Charlie, who have sacrificed so much for me over the past six years. And I just want to place on record my gratitude to all the players and support staff. I love the team and have great hopes for what they will be able to achieve. I’ll always be a supporter.’

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NZC chief executive David White said that the cricketing body has supported Hesson’s decision.

‘I tried to persuade him to stay on for another 12 months but his mind was made up,’ said White. ‘We understand his position. 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.

‘At the same time, he’s carried a torch for coaches in all sports, demonstrating through his success that top-level coaching is not exclusively or necessarily the domain of former star players.’

Now White will focus on finding a replacement for the World Cup.

‘The recruitment process will commence shortly. We have a resourceful and well-respected captain, the leadership team within the squad is strong, and the support staff is very experienced,’ he said.

‘We think it’s important the successful candidate or candidates complement[s] the existing environment.’

Mike Hesson career stats:

– Appointed coach 2012
– Tests: 53 (21 wins, 13 draws, 19 losses)
– ODIs: 119 (65 wins, eight NR/ties, 46 losses)
– T20Is: 59 (30 wins, five NR/ties, 24 losses)
– New Zealand’s first-ever series win (in any format) in South Africa (2013, ODI Series)
– A New Zealand record five Test wins in 2014-15
– A New Zealand record ten consecutive wins (in all formats) in 2015, and again in 2016-17.
– Qualified for the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
– Only New Zealand’s fourth Test series win over England in 88 years (2017-18)
– The Black Caps’ ascent to No 1 ranking in T20Is; No 2 in ODIs, and No 3 in Tests
– Awarded the ONZM for Services to Cricket (2015)

Photo: nzc.nz