Hesson remains

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Mike Hesson will stay on as New Zealand cricket coach through the 2019 ICC World Cup after agreeing terms on a contract extension.

New Zealand Cricket said yesterday that batting coach Craig McMillan, team manager Mike Sandle and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson have also extended their contracts.

Under Hesson, New Zealand have risen to the top-ranking in international Twenty20 cricket, No. 2 in one-day internationals and No. 5 in Tests.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said Hesson's decision to continue "is very positive in terms of our succession planning, our preparation for the major events and, not least, general team stability."

"It was really important for us to retain the intellectual property and institutional knowledge that these people have developed," White said.