Gary Stead will decide in the next few weeks if he wishes to reapply for the role of BLACKCAPS Test coach – but has confirmed his decision to step away from the white ball formats.
Arguably New Zealand’s most successful coach, Stead was first appointed to the position in 2018 following the resignation of Mike Hesson, and has twice had his contract renewed: in 2020, and in 2023 – the latter term expiring in June this year.
While still considering his options in terms of the Test position, the man who steered the BLACKCAPS to the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021, and to an unprecedented 3-nil Test series sweep of India on the sub-continent last year, has formally signalled his intention to step down from ODI and T20I role.
“I’m looking forward to getting away from touring life for a while and having a think about my future,” said Stead.
“My focus has been on finishing the season strongly with a lesser experienced team.
“The past six to seven months has been particularly busy with relatively non-stop cricket action since September.
“I now want to evaluate my options but still feel I have coaching left in me, albeit not as Head Coach across all formats.
“The next month will give me the opportunity to discuss the situation more with my wife, family and others.
“I’ll be in a better position to know whether I want to reapply for the Test coaching position after this time of reflection.”
NZC Chief High Performance Officer Bryan Stronach said Stead deserved the opportunity to take some time out over his decision.
“Gary’s results have been very impressive over a long period and we’re very comfortable giving him some time to collect his thoughts and mull things over,” said Stronach.
“At the moment we haven’t any strong preference for either a split-coaching role or a sole appointment who covers all three formats, and we’re unlikely to be clearer on that until we see who’s putting their name forward.”
Advertising for the position, both in full and/or in part, will commence within the next week or so.
