Gary Stead, head coach of all New Zealand’s cricket teams since 2018. Now, he’s announced that he’s going to tend his resignation from above those ranks, leaving his posts overseeing the one-day international and T20 squads. This move comes just as his contract is about to expire, in June 2024. Stead’s time in charge of the Black Caps has been sensational. Under his captaincy, the team won their first World Test Championship title in 2021 and registered an unprecedented 3-0 Test series whitewash against India in their backyard last year.
This has been a period of great triumph — and great disaster. He also had enormous success as a Test cricketer. He failed in the white-ball formats and never won a big trophy. Under his leadership, the team reached the finals of the 2019 World Cup in England and the 2021 T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Unfortunately for them, both times they were just short of winning.
Reflecting on a Busy Tenure
Turner at 53 years old, Stead would like to retire from the rigors of non-stop touring and coaching. He’s definitely looking forward to a new chapter. He stated, “I’m looking forward to getting away from touring life for a while and having a think about my future.” As he said, the last six to seven months have been particularly tough. That’s thanks in large part to the nonstop cricket action that began in September.
Looking ahead in the future, Stead said he is keen on re-applying for the position of Test coach. He admitted that he still has coaching dreams himself, but not to be head coach in all three formats. “I now want to evaluate my options but still feel I have coaching left in me,” he said.
The Search for a Successor
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has said it will start the formal process of advertising for a new head coach next week. They have elected to honor Stead’s contributions. Now, they are giving him the space and time he needs to consider his future in coaching. In the meantime, the organization is focused on identifying a strong successor. This new leader — yet to be named — will have the opportunity to further develop the incredible groundwork laid during Stead’s tenure.
Stead’s exit from white-ball coaching positions signals the first big step in a much bigger shift for New Zealand cricket. His ability to guide the team through crucial tournaments while achieving historic milestones in Test cricket will be remembered fondly by fans and players alike.
Moving Forward
Gary Stead is also stepping down from his red-ball duties. For that reason, the cricketing community is extremely interested to know what he’ll do next in his career. His dedication in weighing all of his options is a slam dunk for someone seriously considering their future lifeline to the sport. NZC is currently in the process of seeking a new head coach. The coming six to eight weeks will be telling for the future of New Zealand cricket.
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