Gary Stead Steps Down As New Zealand Head Coach

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is all set to step aside from the role after a seven-year stint, after his contract expires later this month, NZC said in a statement on Wednesday (June 4). Stead had earlier announced his resignation as the head coach of the white ball sides. This ultimately rules Stead out of the contention for an extension.

Gary Stead Resigns As NZ Head Coach

Stead was inarguably the most successful New Zealand coach, overseeing the inaugural ICC World Test Championship win in 2021, a historic 3-0 Test whitewash of India in India, and a staggering five final appearances in ICC white-ball World Cups during his time at the helm. It was during his era that New Zealand rose to the top of the ICC Test and ODI rankings.

"There has been some amazing environment created in the last seven years with the team getting even stronger, Brendon McCullum & Mike Hesson left the team in a strong position, & we just carried on from there.

"It's been a nice journey in all three formats of the game, we've shown as a team that we will compete in all facets of the game & bring the best of our skills in whatever format we play."

Stead identified the WTC win and the most recent Test success in India as the highlights of his stint.

"To work with some of the best cricketers in the New Zealand circuit & win games was an absolute honor for me."

"I would also like to thank the New Zealand Cricket board for believing in me & I'll miss my mates & my support staff with whom I've worked day in and day out"