New Zealand’s historic win in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup is a moment of immense pride, not just for the players but for the entire support staff. Among them, the contribution of assistant coach Craig McMillan stands out. Once a renowned cricketer, McMillan’s life took a surprising turn when he found himself searching for a job as a salesman to support his family. Now, he has helped guide the New Zealand women’s team to their first-ever World Cup victory.
Here’s a look at Craig McMillan’s inspiring journey from personal struggles to becoming a key part of New Zealand’s World Cup-winning team.
A Turning Point in McMillan’s Career
Craig McMillan was once considered one of the top all-rounders for New Zealand. However, after a disappointing performance in the 2003 World Cup, McMillan faced a career downfall. Despite occasional opportunities, his form continued to slip, leading to his exclusion from the team. By 2005, the New Zealand Cricket Board terminated his contract, leaving him with no income from the sport.
This was a significant blow to McMillan, who had been one of the top-20 cricketers in New Zealand for a decade. The sudden loss of income left him struggling to support his family, especially with a newborn daughter at home. At just 30 years old, McMillan found himself unemployed and uncertain about his future.
Looking for a Job as a Salesman
With no cricketing contracts in hand, McMillan had to think of alternative ways to make a living. He considered becoming a salesman and even went for multiple job interviews. In a candid interview, he revealed that those interviews were far scarier than facing some of the world’s fastest bowlers, like Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar. However, this difficult phase in his life also fueled his desire to make a comeback in cricket.
McMillan didn’t give up. He worked tirelessly to regain his form and re-entered the New Zealand team in 2006. His dedication paid off as he earned a spot in the squad for the 2007 ODI World Cup.
A Solid International Career
During his international career from 1997 to 2007, McMillan played a total of 260 matches across all formats. In Test cricket, he scored 3116 runs at an average of 38, taking 28 wickets along the way. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), McMillan amassed 4707 runs and claimed 49 wickets. He also played 8 T20 matches, scoring 187 runs for his country.
Though his playing days ended in 2007, McMillan continued to stay connected to cricket through coaching. He took up the role of batting coach for the New Zealand men’s team from 2014 to 2019, during which New Zealand reached the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup.
From Player to Coach: The Comeback
In June 2024, McMillan was appointed as the assistant coach of the New Zealand women’s cricket team. His experience and leadership helped the team achieve something no New Zealand team—male or female—had done before: win a World Cup. Under his guidance, the women’s team clinched their first T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in a thrilling final in Dubai.
McMillan’s journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for the game. From facing the challenges of unemployment to playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s first-ever World Cup victory, his story is a remarkable example of determination and hard work.
