Gary Stead bows out as BLACKCAPS coach

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead’s highly successful seven years in charge of the national side will officially conclude when his contract finishes at the end of this month.

Stead, who last month confirmed he would step away as coach of the white-ball formats, was effectively ruled out of contention for the head coach role after NZC opted for one head coach across all three formats.

Widely considered New Zealand’s most successful national coach, Stead oversaw the inaugural ICC World Test Championship win in 2021, and an unprecedented three-nil Test series sweep of India on the sub-continent last year, alongside five out of six finals appearances in ICC white-ball World Cups.

The BLACKCAPS consistency was a hallmark of the Stead era, with the side rising to number one in the ICC Test and ODI rankings during his stint, as well as winning countless bi-lateral series and breaking new ground with series wins at home and abroad (full achievements list below).

Stead can also be credited with rejuvenating the team during his time in charge with the selections of stars such as Daryl Mitchell, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Will O’Rourke.

The 53-year-old said it had been a privilege to lead the team.

“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,” he 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 cited the ICC World Test Championship victory and the three-nil 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.