McMillan takes role as New Zealand batting coach, for now

Craig McMillian. Photo / NZPA

The key question around Craig McMillan's temporary elevation to the New Zealand batting coach job is whether it might become long term.

The former international batsman has put down his microphone to be Mike Hesson's assistant for the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

At that point someone will be appointed to the role on a fulltime basis.

McMillan, who played 55 tests, averaging 38.46, and 197 ODIs for 10 seasons from 1996-97, is seen as being sufficiently removed from the current players, has had coaching experience with Canterbury, and has worked with the New Zealand team.

The bowling coach, Shane Bond, and captain Brendon McCullum are former New Zealand teammates.

"We had a number of strong applicants from New Zealand and abroad, but overall we felt that Craig was the best fit for the role," New Zealand Cricket head of cricket Lindsay Crocker said.

Among the issues which will decide whether McMillan's departure from the Sky Sport commentary box is lengthy or brief will be how the batsmen relate to him, and vice versa; how they perform in the Caribbean; and whether he - and NZC - are keen for the arrangement to continue after the first shorter taste against the West Indies.

No one would accuse McMillan of being a shrinking violet.

He was an assertive batsman and that's carried through when imparting his thoughts on the game in the media.