Amidst news that they are considering having different coaches for limited overs and test match cricket, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has decided to renew the contract of head coach Gary Stead until 2025. The decision was made after considering that Gary Stead could manage the workload of the team across all formats.
“Gary Stead will remain New Zealand head coach in all formats through to the end of the World Test Championship cycle in 2025,” the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Tuesday.
A ‘Steadfast’ stint riddled with achievements
Gary Stead has had a fruitful run with the Kiwis across all formats after being appointed in 2018. He led them into their first-ever final in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019, leading them to victory in the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21.
There arose a possibility of a baton change when Stead, himself, suggested to the board the idea of having a different head coach in the limited-overs, he went back on his statement on Tuesday to opine that such a scheme of things might not be suited, as New Zealand had a smaller pool of players.
“We’re not a big country … Our pool of players is a little bit smaller perhaps than other countries around the world,” Gary Stead said.
The new contract, however, will be much more flexible with short-term consultant coaches being roped in to assist the head coach for individual tours. The board believes that their expertise and knowledge of the game will come in handy to the team in overseas conditions. Gary Stead has also been given the option of opting out of certain tours, with other supporting staff stepping in to fill the void.
“I was pretty open with New Zealand Cricket, and sort of explained that the idea of being away for eight or nine months on the road is unsustainable for anyone, players or staff,” Gary Stead said.
Gary Stead’s immediate attention would be towards preparing the team for the One-day World Cup in India to be held in October, followed by the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the USA next year.
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