Former New Zealand cricketer Gary Stead has been given a new role by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He has been appointed as the high-performance coach. His job will include nurturing players and coaches. He will also take up secondary functions as part of his new role.
Stead ended his eight-year journey as New Zealand’s head coach earlier this year. During his time, the Black Caps achieved several milestones. He guided the team to win the World Test Championship 2019-21 final against India. He also oversaw the team’s famous 3-0 win against India away from home last year. Stead was also part of the group that reached the final of the 2019 World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Gary Stead Reflects on New Role with BlackCaps
Gary Stead has been linked with New Zealand Cricket for 34 years. He expressed that he is eager to continue contributing. He said his love for the game still drives him to coach and share knowledge.
“New Zealand cricket’s very much been at my heart for the past 30 odd years and to be able to keep contributing to the game I love is really special. I’m still passionate about coaching and trying to help people learn and improve. If I can pass on some of my skills and experiences to the wider cricket network and in turn help the Black Caps and White Ferns win on the world stage – then that would be really satisfying,” Stead was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Stead’s coaching journey has been long and steady. He began as a coach development manager from 2004 to 2009. At the same time, he worked as an assistant coach at the NZC Academy between 2005 and 2006. Later, he became head coach of the women’s team from 2009 to 2012.
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After that, Stead served as Canterbury’s Director of Cricket until 2018. Then, he was appointed as the head coach of the men’s national team. Now, in his new role, Stead will continue to share his expertise and help shape the future of New Zealand cricket.
