Gary Stead will conclude his tenure as the head coach of the New Zealand Black Caps cricket team at the end of June. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) formally announced this decision yesterday, marking the end of a highly successful seven-year period for the 53-year-old coach. Under Stead’s guidance, the Black Caps reached unprecedented heights, most notably securing the inaugural World Test Championship title. This move signals a significant shift for the national team as they look towards their next phase.
Stead had already transitioned out of his role as coach of the country’s white-ball teams (One-Day International and Twenty20) in April. His full departure stems from his desire to reduce his time spent on extensive tours. This personal preference ultimately did not align with NZC’s broader aspiration to consolidate the coaching responsibilities under a single individual across all three formats of the game – Test, ODI, and T20. The decision reflects a mutual understanding between Stead and the national cricket board regarding future strategic directions.
In a statement released by NZC, Stead took time to reflect on his impactful years with 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,” he stated, acknowledging the dedication of the players under his charge. He expressed immense pride in the team’s sustained competitiveness across all forms of cricket. “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 Black Caps are a team that won’t fold.” This sentiment underscores the fighting spirit that became a hallmark of the Black Caps during his leadership.
Stead specifically pointed to two crowning achievements as the highlights of his time at the helm: the unforgettable World Test Championship triumph in 2021, where New Zealand defeated India in the final, and the impressive 3-0 clean sweep of India on the sub-continent last year in their own backyard. Beyond these landmark Test victories, the Black Caps consistently performed strongly in limited-overs tournaments. They finished as runners-up in the 2019 50-overs World Cup, a heart-breaking defeat on boundary countback, and were also runners-up at the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup. Furthermore, the team reached the final of the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Under his watch, the Black Caps also achieved top rankings in both Test and ODI cricket and reached the semi-finals in two other white-ball World Cups, showcasing remarkable consistency at the highest level.
Stead emphasised the extraordinary achievements of the team given New Zealand’s relatively small size and resources. “For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game,” he added, highlighting the team’s ability to punch above its weight on the global stage. A crucial factor in maintaining consistent performances over such an extended period was Stead’s adeptness at refreshing the squad. He successfully integrated promising young players as generational talents retired or faced prolonged absences due to injuries, ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent.
Former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson offered a glowing tribute to Stead’s contribution, stating that he is likely to be remembered as one of New Zealand’s most successful cricket coaches. “There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the Black Caps grow and succeed,” Williamson remarked, underscoring Stead’s dedication. “He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke.” These words from a key player provide a testament to Stead’s character and leadership qualities both on and off the field.
NZC has already initiated the search for a successor to the former top-order Test batsman. Stead, for his part, indicated that he would take some time to “recharge” before seeking out another professional challenge. “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,” he concluded. His departure marks the end of a significantly successful era for New Zealand cricket, leaving behind a strong foundation for the next chapter.