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Sport Nation
Gary Stead officially steps down as Blackcaps coach
Sport Nation • June 4th, 2025 12:00 pm
Photo: Photosport
The curtain has officially come down on the Gary Stead era of the Blackcaps.
Having previously announced he'd be stepping down from the white-ball coaching roles, Stead was effectively ruled out of contention for the position due to NZ Cricket's preference for one coach across all three formats.
Stead spent seven years in charge of the national team, helping spearhead arguably the most successful period in NZ cricket history.
The jewel in that crown was the inaugural World Test Championship triumph in 2021, alongside appearances in five out of six finals appearances in ICC white-ball tournaments.
The Blackcaps - who rose to No.1 ranking in ODI and Tests - and also completed their first-ever Test series victory in India with a 3-0 sweep last year.
As Sport Nation reported last week, Shane Bond and Rob Walter are the two leading contenders for the role.
Could Shane Bond be the best fit for the Blackcaps coaching role? | Sport Nation Mornings
"For a country with five million people and limited resources, we comparatively perform outstandingly well against the other powerhouses of the game," Stead added.
Producing consistent performances over such a lengthy period rested in some part on Stead's ability to refresh the squad with young players as generational talents retired or spent lengthy periods on the sidelines with injury.
"There was no one more hardworking and passionate about seeing the Blackcaps grow and succeed," former Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said.
"He was always thorough in his planning and preparation and will go down as one of our best coaches, but an even better bloke."
Stead reiterated his desire to remain in coaching.
"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 said.
