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. Central Districts advertised for his successor this week, having secured him from South Africa in 2013.

Malan will depart on a high, with the Stags having won the Plunket Shield last summer, made both white-ball finals and made a flying start to their shield defence with 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. He spoke on the subject 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 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.

‘‘My eyes got opened through the Black Caps process in the

At a glance

Auckland v Canterbury at Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland

Northern Districts v Wellington at Seddon Park, Hamilton

Otago v Central Stags at Molyneux Park, Alexandra

Central 36, Wellington 26, Northern 24, Auckland 11, Canterbury 7, Otago 5. interview around how much time is spent away from home. With a young family it also makes you look closer to home, and maybe not in a year’s time but three or four years time look at those sort of roles.’’

Malan 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 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 in a measured return from back surgery.

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

Plunket Shield round three, 11am today (day one of four):

Points after two rounds: