Stags hunting for new coach
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 job 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.
Central Districts advertised for his successor this week, having signed him in 2013 when he arrived from South Africa.
He’ll depart on a high, with the Stags having won the Plunket Shield last summer, made both white ball finals and had a flying start to their shield defence as they take a 10-point lead over rivals Wellington into round three.
With the contracts of all the Black Caps support staff including assistant coaches Craig McMillan and Shane Jurgensen up after next year’s World Cup, Malan hoped his future remained in New Zealand when he spoke during the NZA tour of the UAE.
‘‘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 definitely 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.
Malan has permanent residency and his wife and young family enjoy living in Napier, he said.
He took satisfaction from the number of Stags players who’d progressed to higher honours which was one of the incentives in his contract.
As many as eight Stags played for NZA in recent weeks.
It meant their resources were sternly tested during the 50-over Ford Trophy when Wellington beat Otago in Saturday’s final.
With three one-day matches for NZA to come, against India A at Mt Maunganui on Friday, 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 remains out with a side strain and Ben Wheeler is rested in a measured return from back surgery.
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.