New Zealand women head coach Ben Sawyer will have the chance to add to his recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 success after being reappointed for two more years.
The extension means Sawyer will remain at the helm of the White Ferns until December 2026, a period that includes the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India, and a title defence at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Sawyer, whose reappointment follows an extensive review process, first joined the White Ferns on a two-year contract in June 2022, which was extended until the end of October’s tour to India.
New Zealand Cricket Head of Women’s High Performance Liz Green said it was important Sawyer had a chance to build on the good work already underway.
“We’re so pleased to have Ben sign on for another two years. He’s unlocked a lot of belief and trust in this group and to have him stay now is massive, both for the current squad and the long-term planning for the White Ferns.”
Green said she was optimistic about the continued growth of the White Ferns under Sawyer's leadership.
“Ben’s played a big part in progressing the White Ferns and helping build the women’s pathway. Many of our young players who made their international debut on Ben’s first tour two years ago are starting to thrive, as we saw in the recent T20 World Cup.”
“There was a huge amount of growth during that tournament, a result of what Ben and the coaches have been building over the last two years."
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine said Sawyer’s reappointment would provide stability.
“I’m stoked that Ben's re-signed with us,” said Devine. “The work he’s done with the White Ferns group and for women’s cricket in New Zealand has been huge,” added the skipper.
“The team is in a great spot right now so I think locking him in for another two years and having that consistency will be big for us.”
The squad to take on Australia in the three-match ODI series at Wellington’s Cello Basin reserve will be named later this week. The highly anticipated Rose Bowl series on December 19, 21, and 23 is set to garner record crowds for the White Ferns.
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