Bob Carter Steps Away from High Performance Role with New Zealand Cricket

After over two decades of contributing to the development of New Zealand's elite cricket teams, Bob Carter has announced his decision to step away from the high-performance programme of New Zealand Cricket. This marks the end of an era for the long-time coach, who has left an indelible mark on the sport in the country.

Carter first joined the Black Caps as an assistant coach in 2004 under John Bracewell, a role he held until 2009. He later returned to the team as an assistant under Mike Hesson between 2012 and 2014. His coaching journey also included leading the White Ferns ahead of and during the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, a role that saw him at the helm of one of the most successful women's teams in the country's cricketing history.

Before his coaching career, Carter was a player and later became the director of cricket for the English county club Northamptonshire. He also coached men's provincial sides for Canterbury and Wellington, further cementing his reputation as a respected figure in the cricketing world.

Reflecting on his time with New Zealand Cricket, Carter said, I feel like I've lived the dream. He praised the ability of the teams he has worked with to create sides that are greater than the sum of their parts, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in team sports. Sure, the individual performance is important, but it's the collective that has the greater potential. That's where the magic is.

Carter also expressed his belief in the strength of New Zealand's domestic cricket competitions, noting that they are on par with the best in the world. The reason the Black Caps have continued to produce great batters and bowlers is because we have a strong, underlying domestic system.

As he moves forward, Carter will continue his work in cricket as an independent contractor, looking to share his knowledge and experience in new ways. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in New Zealand cricket, but his legacy will undoubtedly remain a part of the sport's future.