Stags coach ponders options

Central Stags coach Heinrich Malan hopes to continue plying his trade in New Zealand and potentially chase a Black Caps assistant role as his existing job goes up for grabs this week.

Malan returns to the Stags as the Plunket Shield resumes today, after taking charge of New Zealand A in the United Arab Emirates then three four-day matches against India A at home.

Runner-up to Gary Stead in the race for the Black Caps head coach role this year, the widely respected Malan signalled his intention to step down from the Stags when his contract expires in April, after six years at the helm in Napier.

‘‘There’s a massive World Cup coming up and potentially there’s a bit of a restructure or some openings in that space after the World Cup. I’ll have a look at it. I’m excited about the possibilities about getting into international cricket. But that’s no one’s right,’’ Malan said in October.

With three one-day matches for NZA to come, against India A at Mt Maunganui tomorrow, Sunday and Tuesday under coach Bob Carter, Plunket Shield sides are shorn of players again.

The Stags are without Will Young, George Worker, Doug Bracewell and Seth Rance for their match with Otago in Alexandra, while Adam Milne is out with a side strain and Ben Wheeler is rested.

Other recent NZA players Tom Bruce, Dane Cleaver and Blair Tickner are all available.

The second-placed Firebirds are also shorn of key men Hamish Bennett and Jimmy Neesham who get to push their World Cup case for NZA. It means potential first-class debuts for former New Zealand Under-19 reps Jacob Bhula and Ben Sears, while veterans Jeetan Patel and Luke Woodcock return after sitting out the one-day competition.