Craig McMillan will serve as the assistant coach of the New Zealand Women's cricket team on a full-time basis after accepting a new deal. The 48-year-old had been working on a part-time contract for the past 12 months including at the victorious T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE last year.

McMillan will continue working across the batting and fielding departments under head coach Ben Sawyer with his appointment beginning officially this week. The full-time contract means McMillan will have to step back from his media and other coaching commitments around the world but it's one the former Black Caps cricketer is happy to do.

"I'm over the moon to be in this role with the White Ferns," said McMillan. “The women's game is going from strength to strength, and I'm excited to continue to work with our talented players and help them reach their goals. The last year has gone so quickly and I've loved every minute of being part of a team that continues to improve, challenge one another, and does special things on the world stage.”

McMillan also said preparations are in full swing as New Zealand look to add to the one title they won at home back in 2000. "It's been a busy period leading into the 50-over World Cup. We've had a number of camps including one in Chennai which exposed the players to Indian conditions like what they'll face in October-November.

"The team is pumped to get back to India and take on another World Cup."

New Zealand's World Cup squad will be announced on September 10. They will begin their campaign in Indore on October 1 against Tasman rivals Australia