Follow UsNew Zealand men’s coach Gary Stead’s illustrious seven-year tenure will officially conclude when his contract finishes at the end of this month.
Stead had confirmed last month that he would step down as coach of the white-ball formats, however, he was effectively ruled out of contention for the head coach role after New Zealand Cricket decided to have just one head coach across the three formats.
Stead coached New Zealand to their only ICC Trophy victory in the shape of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship win in 2021, and added to his credentials after his side completed an unprecedented 3-0 whitewash of India in India last year. He also has five out of six finals appearances in ICC white-ball World Cups.
The Blackcaps rose to number one in the ICC Test and ODI rankings during his stint, and is credited with forming the core of the Kiwi side today as he introduced the likes of Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Will O’Rourke in the New Zealand men’s setup.
As he departed from the coveted role, the 53-year-old said it had been a privilege to lead the team and thanked them for their support during his tenure.
“There’s been some amazing memories over the past seven years based around a group of fantastic and talented people who have gone out to give their best for their country, each other and for the fans,” Stead said.
“Brendon McCullum and Mike Hesson had left the team with strong values and a style of play, and I’ve just tried to build and shape that further to grow our ability to be consistent in everything we do.
“It’s been nice to be competitive across all three formats and I’d like to think that regardless of results, the opposition know the BLACKCAPS are a team that won’t fold and will always show the grit and determination to compete.”
Stead mentioned the ICC World Test Championship victory and the 3-0 sweep of India as highlights, alongside the way the team held themselves during and after the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
“To work alongside some of New Zealand’s best cricketers and have had a ringside seat to every training and match has been very special and an absolute honour.
“For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game.
“I am grateful to all those that have helped and supported me during my time, especially to my wife Rachel and children Alex and Libby who have sacrificed much.
“I also want to pay special thanks to NZC, and in particular all of the support staff I have worked with who are hands-on with the team and in the thick of things day-in and day-out.
“I’d like to wish the new coach well and the team every success in the future. I’ll initially take some time to refresh and recharge, but I still have the coaching bug and will look to explore opportunities at home and abroad where I can look to share what I’ve learned from my 30 years of professional sport as a player and coach.”
Skipper Kane Williamson also acknowledged Stead’s contributions to the New Zealand setup. “Steady gave absolutely everything to the team,” Williamson said.
“There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the BLACKCAPS grow and succeed. He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke.”