Why is Bob Carter Leaving as NZC's High Performance Coach After 21 Years?

Christchurch, Aug 8 (NationPress) - After an impressive 21-year journey, New Zealand Cricket's esteemed high-performance coach Bob Carter has decided to conclude his tenure, as announced by New Zealand Cricket on Friday.

Carter, who previously played for and served as the director of cricket for the English county Northamptonshire, has had a multifaceted role at NZC. He served as the assistant coach under John Bracewell for the BlackCaps from 2004 to 2009, then under Mike Hesson from 2012 to 2014, and was also the head coach of the women's team leading up to and during the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held in New Zealand.

NZC stated, "The individual who joined NZC as the assistant BlackCaps coach in 2004 is now preparing to exit the organisation’s high-performance centre in Lincoln, having played a pivotal role in the advancement of both the national men’s and women’s cricket teams."

Reflecting on his time, Carter expressed that after two decades at Lincoln, it was an opportune moment for a transition, and he is eager to continue contributing to cricket as an independent contractor.

“I feel like I’ve lived the dream,” he reminisced about his experiences with various teams and players over the years. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed providing support, and if my efforts have aided players or teams in achieving success, then that’s fantastic – I’m very pleased.

“However, I believe that what has been most effective at NZC has been the collaboration, teamwork, and synergy. We’ve managed to build teams that are greater than the sum of their individual parts, which is a fundamental aspect of team sports. While individual performance is crucial, the collective effort holds the greater promise. That’s where the true magic lies.”

Carter shared his satisfaction in departing NZC while the national teams are in a robust state, and when the high-performance systems are yielding positive outcomes.

“The game has seen significant evolution over the last twenty years, but the core principles of batting and bowling remain unchanged. Yes, the batters are executing shots that were unimaginable in the nineties, and bowlers are showcasing an incredible range of skills. But fundamentally, the framework that enables players to perform successfully is still the same as it was fifty years ago,” Carter noted.

Daryl Gibson, NZC Chief High Performance Officer, expressed gratitude for Carter’s extensive service and expertise.

“Bob has been the voice of experience at Lincoln and has contributed significantly to the successes witnessed in both the men’s and women’s cricket over the last decade or more. He is a vital part of a wider high-performance team that underpinned one of New Zealand cricket's golden eras – his legacy and contributions to NZC are immense.

Gibson added that he looks forward to seeing Carter remain involved in cricket. “Bob is a cherished member of the cricket community and is held in high regard wherever he goes. His dedication and enthusiasm for the game remain unwavering, and we wish him and his family all the best.”