ICNZ have made the following coaching appointments for the New Zealand Senior Indoor Cricket teams:
Premier Men:
Head Coach – Leigh Kelly
Assistant Coach – Jon Routhan
Premier Women:
Head Coach – Mark Cini
Assistant Coach – Michael Renwick
22 & Under Boys:
Head Coach – Paul Anderson
Assistant Coach – TBC
22 & Under Girls:
Head Coach – Kim Minogue
Assistant Coach – TBC
The appointments were made just before the start of the Senior Provincials Tournament, being held in Auckland starting today. The succession plan has been set, with the coaches taking charge of the 2019 Trans-Tasman series against Australia to be held in New Zealand, and carrying into the 2020 World Cup.
The Premier Men’s coaching team brings a wealth of recent playing experience to it, with former New Zealand Captain Leigh Kelly taking over from Steve Hart and Paul Botterill as head coach. Kelly played in five World Cups, his last one a home tournament in New Zealand back in 2014. He’s joined by former New Zealand teammate Jon Routhan, who has been coaching in the Southern Districts province.
The Premier Women’s coaches remain unchanged from last year’s World Cup, where the Open Women’s side made the semi-finals. Mark Cini, ICNZ executive and Indoor Cricket Canterbury director of coaching continues on as head coach, and is assisted again by Michael Renwick, who is the current Canterbury Women’s coach.
Northern Districts coach Paul Anderson takes over the 22 & Under Boys side, while Kim Minogue takes over the 22 & Under Girls team. Minogue is also a former New Zealand representative, and currently coaches the 22 & Under Canterbury Girls’ side. Assistant Coaches for the 22 & Under Boys’ and Girls’ side are yet to be named.
The appointments by ICNZ are an acknowledgement of some positive change in the Indoor Cricket environment in New Zealand, with a good mix of playing and coaching experience at international level across each team. With their first assignments not commencing until next year, this year’s Senior Provincials will give each coach a good look at all players competing for places in the New Zealand teams over the next 12 months.
